Wellbeing Activity Programme SUMMER TERM 2026
INTRODUCTION
Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of our pastoral care at Downe House, and becomes an even greater focus during exam periods, which can present additional challenges for our pupils. Research has shown that pupils who incorporate positive health and wellbeing strategies into their daily routines are likely to achieve more academically and develop more effective social and emotional competencies in the long term.
Naturally, we want all of these benefits for your daughters, so we have created a fantastic programme of wellbeing activities that will allow them to explore, experience and learn more about positive mental health and wellbeing practices, and have some fun at the same time! From well-loved favourites like bedtime yoga and pamper boxes, through to wellbeing activities they might not have tried before, everyone will find something they will love - either as a one-off activity or that they might adopt as a regular practice during the revision period and beyond. The in-house activities will serve as a great opportunity to have a break from revision, calm the mind and spend some time with their peers and Housestaff.
Mrs Ellie Llewellyn Director of Pupil Wellbeing
EXAM TIMETABLE
GCSE written examinations will take place between Thursday 7 May and Monday 15 June. A Level written examinations will take place between Monday 11 May and Friday 19 June.
We also have the following internal exam sessions:
Lower Fifth: Friday 15 May - Thursday 21 May
Upper Fourth: Monday 1 June - Thursday 4 June
Lower Sixth: Monday 1 June - Saturday 6 June
Remove: Tuesday 9 June - Thursday 11 June
Lower Fourth: Tuesday 9 June - Thursday 11 June
LOWER SCHOOL & UPPER SCHOOL KNITTING CLUB
£9.50
Knitting is a relaxing, calming activity to do, and you can make your favourite item of clothing.
BEDTIME YOGA
£9.50
A fantastic opportunity for the girls to incorporate a relaxing yoga practice into their night-time routine which may improve the quality and duration of their sleep.
PUPPY THERAPY
£25
PawsInWork offer a specialist puppy therapy service for the improvement of wellbeing, combating stress and encouraging group bonding.
A 25 minute session of pure fun.
THAI NECK AND SHOULDER MASSAGES
£15
Thai Orchid in Newbury will be offering 15 minute Thai Neck & Shoulder massages at School, which involves a combination of deep tissue massage, pressure and stretching. Thai massage is applied using thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet.
WOODLAND WALK
This is a chance to engage in some gentle movement, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature in our school grounds.
REFLEXOLOGY
£20
Enjoy a 20 minute session of either traditional foot reflexology or facial reflexology using lovely organic products.
LOWER SCHOOL & UPPER SCHOOL POTTERY WORKSHOP
£15
Making pottery requires attention to detail, which encourages mindfulness and helps you stay present. Working with clay is tactile and grounding, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The repetitive motions can be meditative.
SCHOOL DISCO
Get ready for an evening full of music, dancing and good vibes, this is a perfect chance to have a good time with your friends.
IN-HOUSE MINDFULNESS BOXES
PAMPER BOXES
A box of mindfulness goodies will be made available in House for all to use and there will be a range of activities to try! FREE
MEAL BOXES
A collaborative session creating a wholesome meal. This is more than just cooking — it’s about fostering wellbeing, connection, and joy through mindful preparation and sharing.
MINDFULNESS COLOURING
A calm and relaxing activity where participants colour intricate designs or patterns to help focus the mind, reduce stress, and encourage mindfulness in the present moment.
BAKING - CUPCAKES AND MUFFINS
The baking sessions encourage creativity, teamwork, and relaxation while helping develop basic baking skills.
JIGSAW PUZZLES
Doing jigsaw puzzles is a powerful way to relax and unwind, requiring calm focus which creates a soothing effect.
BOARD GAMES
Playing board games in a group is a great way to relax while still being engaged. The combindation of light strategy, laughter, and social interaction, can help reduce stress and improve mood.
MATCHA TEA BOXES
Matcha tea offers several benefits for overall wellbeing, combining mental, physical, and emotional support.
FRI 17
TIMETABLE | SUMMER TERM 2026
MON 20
WED 22
April
SAT 25
MON 27
Lower School Bedtime Yoga
Hermitage Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
WED 29
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton
Lower School Bedtime Yoga
Hill Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
THUR 30
TUE 5
WED 6
May
MON 11
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton
LOWER FIFTH UPPER FIFTH
Mindfulness Boxes - Pamper Boxes In-House
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
School Disco Concert Room
7.30pm-8.30pm
Mindfulness Boxes - Meal Boxes In-House
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
Bedtime Yoga
Aisholt Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
FRIDAY 1 MAY - MONDAY 4 MAY
Mindfulness Boxes - Colouring In-House
Upper School Knitting Club
Helix Room
8pm-9pm with Deborah Houghton
Mindfulness Boxes - Cupcake & Muffin Baking In-House
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
Puppy Therapy
Murray Centre Auditorium
9.30am-2.45pm with PawsInWork
Thai Neck & Shoulder Massages
Helix Room
6pm-9pm with Orchid Thai Therapy
WED 13
MON 18
TUE 19
May
WED 20
TIMETABLE | SUMMER TERM 2026
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
Lower School Bedtime Yoga
Darwin Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
THUR 21 LONG EXEAT FRIDAY MON 1
TUE 2
WED 3
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton June REMOVE
THUR 4
SAT 6
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
Upper School Knitting Club
Helix Room
8pm-9pm with Deborah Houghton
Bedtime Yoga
Tedworth Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
Upper School Knitting Club
Helix Room
8pm-9pm with Deborah Houghton
Bedtime Yoga
York Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
FRIDAY 22 MAY - SUNDAY 31 MAY
Mindfulness Boxes - Jigsaw puzzles In-House
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
Bedtime Yoga Willis Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
Upper School Knitting Club
Helix Room
8pm-9pm with Deborah Houghton
Bedtime Yoga
AGN Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
Bedtime Yoga
AGS Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
School Disco Concert Room
7.30pm-8.30pm
TIMETABLE | SUMMER TERM 2026
MON 8
Mindfulness Boxes - Board Games In-House
5.20pm-6pm
TUE 9
WED 10
MON 15
Lower School Knitting Club
Hermitage Prep Room
7pm-8pm with Deborah Houghton
5.20pm-6pm
FOUNDER’S WEEKEND
Reflexology
Helix Room 6pm-9pm with Abi Wiliamson
Mindfulness Boxes - Matcha Tea In-House
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
Bedtime Yoga
Holcombe Common Room
8pm-8.45pm with Magee Wraight
Wellbeing Walk
Downe House grounds
5.20pm-6pm with Ellie Llewellyn
SATURDAY 4 - SUNDAY 5 JULY
