Independent Schools 2017

Thursday, September 14, 2017 Downe House THE Sixth Form is a milestone and marks the beginning of a new and exciting stage of independence for 16 year olds. goals, supporting them to achieve their personal best setting up a real-life business. In the past Sixth Formers have designed, created and marketed products such as beanies,

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academically and encouraging them to broaden their studies through both taking advantage of and contributing to the academic enrichment programme which is a part of Sixth Form life. At the top of the school girls enjoy greater independence in preparation for university and life beyond Downe House. The higher education team helps with A-level choices, university options and applications so that girls are well prepared for writing personal statements and considering how they can add to their experiences to help them stand out from the crowd. In addition, there are many co- curricular enrichment and leadership opportunities, for example, the girl who has enjoyed drama throughout her school career will now find the chance to direct full-scale productions, and many girls take up roles as school officers, becoming positive role models for the younger girls. Alongside a focus on academic studies, Sixth Formers can participate in a plethora of societies or student-led clubs, and join their fellow students at boys’ schools in socials, debates and activities. For example, the popular Phoenix Society allows girls and boys to gain confidence in public speaking. Many girls also gain valuable skills through the Young Enterprise scheme where they get first-hand experience of

T-shirts and candles in recycled glass, selling to the school and the wider community. This helps them to develop a sense of business and finance as they look ahead. There are also opportunities to develop a global perspective: some pupils embark upon exchanges with partner schools around the world; others spend time in the summer months giving hands-on support to international charities, whether it be cooking in an orphanage, painting classrooms or teaching games to children. Some Sixth Formers choose to apply to top universities, art and drama schools around the globe, a trend that is gradually increasing. This is all balanced by an emphasis on well-being through The school’s aim is that at this stage of life, pupils will find personal fulfilment, reap the rewards of their foundation years of study, feel confident in themselves and their friendships and be ambitious enough to aim for the highest possible standards they can achieve in the next phase of your life. To learn how to give your daughter every opportunity for success when it matters the most visit www.downehouse.net or email registrar@downehouse. net self-management: yoga, mindfulness, good sleep, exercise, and relaxation.

It is also one of the most important steps in the

educational journey. So much hinges upon A-level results and the ability of young people to manage their academic studies, become independent learners, cope with stress and develop as young adults. At Downe House in Cold Ash, boarders, day girls, current pupils and new girls from both the local area and across the UK and overseas make up a thriving Sixth Form community, part of a larger community of approximately 580 pupils. Staff and girls here have their sights firmly set on balance and examination results for Downe House leavers showed a 100 per cent pass rate at A-level (or the Pre-U equivalent), with over a quarter of all entries achieving A*, 65 per cent A* to A and 90 per cent A* to B. In addition, girls gain a rich all- round experience, participating in sports, music, drama, various competitions, extra-curricular activities and trips. Many also undertake ambitious charity fundraising projects for both local and international charities. Class sizes are small here, typically around 12 pupils in each class. The school aims to help girls reach their academic wellbeing as the basis for academic and personal fulfilment. The recent set of public

We are an independent boarding school for girls aged 11-18

Registration open for day and boarding places for September 2018

Bursaries and scholarships available

Every o ortunity for succe when it ma ers e most

Sixth Form Open Morning Saturday 23 September 10.00am

Email registrar@downehouse.net to book your visit

Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 204701 www.downehouse.net