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YEARS 7 - 9 AT DOWNSIDE

OUR VISION DOWNSIDE’S VISION, AS A CATHOLIC AND BENEDICTINE SCHOOL WITH CHRIST AT ITS CENTRE, IS TO BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN EDUCATION AND TO INSPIRE SERVICE IN OUR WORLD.

2 D OW N S I D E P R O S P E C T U S

CONTENTS C U R R I C U L U M OV E RV I E W

YEARS 7 & 8

S P O RT

P E R F O R M I N G A RT S

CO-CURRICULUM

S P I R I T UA L L I F E

PA S TO R A L C A R E

A D M I S S I O N S P RO C E S S

WELCOME Years 7–9 are among the most important years in a pupil’s education. At Downside, they are years of discovery and growing independence: pupils encounter demanding texts, acquire powerful knowledge and learn how different subjects help us understand the world. They also develop the habits that make later success possible. We describe this journey in three words: belong, shine and serve. In Year 7, pupils find their place in a community that welcomes and knows them. In Year 8, they build confidence, recognise their strengths and discover new interests. In Year 9, they take greater responsibility for their learning and consider how they can contribute to the lives of others. A broad curriculum gives pupils the time to explore subjects in depth before making choices about GCSEs. Alongside their lessons, we teach them to organise their work, practise purposefully, respond to feedback and ask for help. Sport, music, the arts, clubs and service offer further opportunities to grow. T e a c h e r s , tu t o r s an d Ho u s e st a f f wo r k to g e t h e r to su p p o r t pu p i l s as th e y se t t l e in , me e t c h a l l e n g e s an d be c o m e mo r e in d e p e n d e n t . Ou r pa r t n e r s h i p wi t h fa m i l i e s he l p s us u n d e r s t a n d ea c h ch i l d ’ s in t e r e s t s an d ne e d s . We wa n t ev e r y pu p i l to le a v e Ye a r 9 c o n f i d e n t in wh a t th e y kn o w , se c u r e in th e i r se n s e of be l o n g i n g an d re a d y to ta k e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y fo r ot h e r s . We look forward to welcoming your family to Downside and discovering what your child will bring to our community.

JAMIE GOSTLOW Head of Key Stage 3

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW AT D OW N S I D E W E WA N T E V E RY C H I L D TO B E C U R I O U S A B O U T A N D C H A L L E N G E D B Y T H E C U R R I C U L U M T H E Y W I L L F O L L OW. Years 7–9 are the intellectual engine room of Downside. Here, pupils build the knowledge, curiosity and learning habits that support their future success. Our Benedictine tradition places welcome and the dignity of each person at the heart of school life. Every pupil arrives with their own story, interests and talents. They become part of Downside’s long history while helping to shape its community today. A dedicated tutor meets each pupil every weekday, helping them reflect on their progress and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Teachers and House staff reinforce these habits. Merits recognise kindness and service alongside sustained effort and academic progress.

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Prep is purposeful practice that revisits and strengthens learning. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 are set two 20-minute tasks each weekday; pupils in Year 9 are set three. Boarders complete supervised evening prep, while arrangements for day pupils reflect their journey home and other commitments. Learning continues beyond lessons through poetry, music, visits, competitions and academic challenges. These experiences invite pupils to pursue their interests, discover new strengths and share their talents with others.

“TEACHERS DISPLAY HIGH LEVELS OF SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND A DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF PUPILS AND THEIR NEEDS." ISI Report, 2026

YEARS 7 & 8 YEAR 7: BELONG

YEAR 8: SHINE

Joining a new school means learning new routines, meeting new people and finding a place to call your own. In Year 7, belonging begins with a warm Benedictine welcome. Tutors, teachers, House staff and older pupils help each child settle in, make friends and feel confident asking questions.

“By Year 8, pupils know Downside well enough to explore it more boldly. Shine means discovering what interests and motivates them, developing their strengths and having the confidence to try something unfamiliar. It is a year for growth in every subject, whether a pupil is solving a mathematical problem, interpreting a historical source, performing, designing or competing as part of a team.

Pupils encounter a broad range of subjects and begin to see how each offers a different way to understand the world. We help them develop secure foundations in reading, writing and mathematics while encouraging curiosity, creativity and discussion across the curriculum. They learn practical habits too: organising their equipment, completing prep, using feedback and seeking help when they need it. Beyond lessons, pupils can try activities that introduce them to new interests and friendships. Their tutor helps them choose a manageable range across the week

Pupils continue the broad curriculum introduced in Year 7. Teachers ask them to explain their thinking, connect new ideas with what they already know and respond thoughtfully to feedback. Prep and tutor guidance help pupils become more independent in planning and reviewing their work. There are many ways to shine beyond the classroom: in music, sport, drama, clubs, competitions and service to others. We recommend that pupils take part in three activities each week, with their tutor helping them find a balance that suits their interests and commitments. Success here includes effort, improvement and the willingness to encourage someone else.”

Subjects in Year 7 & 8: English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Studies, History, Geography, Classical Civilisation, French, Spanish, Art, Design, Drama, Music, Computer Science and Physical Education. Pupils also have timetabled Games, PSHE, Chaplaincy and tutor time. Individual programmes may be adapted to provide language or learning support.

YEAR 9 YEAR 9: SERVE Year 9 invites pupils to look beyond themselves. Serve reflects Downside’s Benedictine tradition: using our knowledge, talents and time for the good of others. Pupils can contribute through their House, their teams, clubs and opportunities to help younger pupils and the wider community. Academically, Year 9 remains a year of breadth and discovery. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught as separate subjects, allowing pupils to explore each science in greater depth. Across the curriculum, teachers encourage pupils to draw on what they already know, explain their thinking and work with growing independence. Three 20minute prep tasks each weekday help them practise and revisit their learning. During the Michaelmas Term, pupils begin to consider their GCSE options. Teachers and tutors help them reflect on their interests, strengths and aspirations so that their eventual choices are informed. Pupils continue to encounter subjects widely while developing the judgement to decide what they would like to study next. By the end of the year, we want pupils to be confident learners who recognise that their choices and actions can make a difference to other people. Subjects in Year 9: English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies, History, Geography, French, Spanish, Latin, Art, Design, Drama, Music, Computer Science and Physical Education. Games, PSHE, Chaplaincy, tutor time and activities are also timetabled. Individual programmes may vary, including where a pupil receives language support.

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PUPILS SERVE THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY THROUGH A WIDE RANGE OF LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES." ISI Report, 2026

SPORT T H E D OW N S I D E S P O RT D E V E L O P M E N T P H I L O S O P H Y I S B A S E D O N A P O S I T I V E M E N TA L AT T I T U D E A N D E X C E P T I O N A L WO R K E T H I C . O U R E T H O S I S C E N T R E D O N T H E VA L U E S O F D I S C I P L I N E , H U M I L I T Y A N D S T E WA R D S H I P. Our aim is to coach the whole child to ensure they find a spor t in which they can par ticipate, excel at and learn the values of being par t of a team. We believe that physical activity plays an impor tant role in a child’s development. ‘Spor t for All’ is a central par t of Downside’s philosophy as is the desire for every pupil to enjoy physical activity and achieve their own personal best. Downside has some 100 acres of playing fields on campus including cricket and rugby pitches, a running track, an allweather hockey astroturf pitch and twelve tennis and netball cour ts. There is a swimming pool and spor ts hall complex which includes fitness rooms and facilities for indoor sports, as well as a gymnasium and glass-backed squash cour ts. Mendip, Orchardleigh and Farrington golf clubs are nearby and there are local facilities for fishing, riding and waterspor ts.

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Whilst our curriculum distinguishes between Physical Education and Spor t, the notion of excellence permeates throughout. In the Michaelmas Term, the main spor t for boys is rugby and, for girls, hockey. In the Lent Term the boys move to hockey and the girls to netball. In the Summer Term cricket is the main spor t for boys and tennis for girls. All pupils also take athletics in the Summer Term. Outside of timetabled spor ts and Physical Education lessons, there are over 40 other spor ts and games options for pupils to choose from including football, swimming, archery, fencing, paddleboard, kayaking, badminton, squash, riding and cross country. Cricket, golf and rugby are also open to both girls and boys. More details on our co-curriculum can be found on pages 14-17.

THE SPORT IS REALLY GOOD HERE. I HAVE LEARNT SO MUCH IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME AND THE COACHES ARE VERY HELPFUL. Second Form Pupil

PERFORMING ARTS The Performing Arts Faculty is based in the O’Flaherty Music School, the centre of music, drama and dance at Downside School. Pupils in Years 7 to 9 benefit from weekly curriculum lessons in both Music and Drama, while also having the opportunity to receive individual specialist tuition. An experienced team of teachers delivers academic music and drama lessons alongside instrumental, vocal, dance and LAMDA tuition. The School's extensive facilities include purpose-built music classrooms, the Mac-based Hood Suite for music technology and composition, a professional recording studio, recital room, individual practice rooms, and the 400-seat Fleischner Theatre. Performing Arts plays a vibrant role in school life. Pupils can take part in a wide range of ensembles and activities, including Concert Band, String Ensemble, Jazz Band, Pipe Band, Drum Line, Rock Bands, Choirs and Musical Theatre productions. These cocurricular opportunities encourage pupils of all ages and abilities to develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of performance.

A particular strength of the programme is the opportunity for younger pupils to perform alongside older, more experienced musicians and, on occasion, professional performers. Throughout the year, pupils participate in concerts and productions in the theatre and Abbey Church, as well as the popular lunchtime Cloister Concert series. Members of the School's choirs, including Schola Cantorum, Chamber Choir and Schola Training Choir, also contribute to the liturgical life of the School by singing at Sunday Masses in the Abbey Church.

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I WAS WELCOMED BY MY ROOMMATES WHO ARE MY FRIENDS TO THIS DAY. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD EXPERIENCE AND THE COMMUNITY IS WELCOMING AND THE SPORTS AND LESSONS ARE AMAZING. Second Form Pupil

CO-CURRICULUM E V E RY F I R E I S S TA RT E D W I T H A S I N G L E S PA R K . T H AT S I N G L E S PA R K C A N C O M E F RO M A N Y W H E R E – A N D L E A D YO U A N Y W H E R E . Taking advantage of one of our exciting co-curricular activities could take your child on a journey that defines the rest of their life. It might help them to create new friendships, perfect a new skill and improve their self-confidence. Pupils benefit greatly from being able to try their hand at anything, and are encouraged to do so. Across the School, we provide over 70 co-curricular activities to complement our academic curriculum. First to Third Form pupils are offered the majority of these and have the oppor tunity to choose from the entire range as they progress through the School. Activities include: Adventure & Outdoor Education: options include kayaking, archery, paddleboard, Junior Explorers, Shooting Club, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award (from 14 years of age), caving and sailing Art, Design & Technology: options include Ar t, Design, sewing, Robotics Club and Digital Leaders Group*

Debate & Discussion: Junior Abingdon Debating Society and various academic clubs Lifestyle: options include Book Club, Conservation Club, Poetry Club, Chess Club and the School Magazine Performing Arts & Media: options include ballet, choir, drama, various different bands, and various dance options. Service & Outreach: options include CCF (from the Third Form), Environmental Group, charities and community service Sports & Games: options include croquet, fencing, athletic development, squash, Laser Quest, swimming, basketball and Warhammer Club. * We are a Childnet Digital Leaders accredited school with a growing team of pupils who serve the community (both in school and by doing outreach activities). We are also progressing towards the 360Safe Online Safety Mark.

CCF The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has always been an integral par t of life at Downside. It exists to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. All Year 9 pupils are able to experience the full range of CCF activities during the academic year. At the end of Year 9, pupils can elect to move onto the Royal Navy or Army section in their senior years. One full afternoon per week is allocated to CCF activities, with additional camps, expeditions and training sessions scheduled through-out the year. The CCF also has a band who lead the Bath Remembrance Parade each year. Weekends Weekends are busy and purposeful at Downside, where pupils are engaged in a wide variety of co-curricular options: clubs, games, socials and trips, alongside non-co-curricular activities such as spor ting fixtures and Sunday Mass. We welcome day pupils to join our Sunday activities, if they wish to spend time with their friends. Trips First to Third Form pupils enjoy a wide variety of trips including retreats, pilgrimages and outdoor learning. In the Michaelmas Term, as par t of their welcome to the School, the First and Second Forms visit the Cotswolds for a team-building bushcraft expedition. In the Summer Term, the Third Form travel to Skern Lodge in Devon for a weekend of outdoor learning and fun.

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THE SCHOOL HELPS TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER AND CONFIDENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH SPORT AND EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ISI Report

SPIRITUAL LIFE I N H I S RU L E , S T B E N E D I C T T E L L S U S T H AT G U E S T S S H O U L D B E W E L C O M E D A N D L O O K E D A F T E R A S I F T H E Y W E R E C H R I S T. T H I S A R E M I N D E R TO A L L O F U S T H AT W E S H O U L D A I M TO T R E AT A N D L O O K A F T E R E AC H OT H E R W I T H R E V E R E N C E , L OV E A N D R E S P E C T. We aim to assist pupils in all year groups to develop a personal relationship with Christ so they will be bright lights, reaching out with love and friendship to all those around them. In order to acheieve this, pupils gather at different times of the day, for example at morning and evening assemblies when prayers are said in Houses. At lunchtime, when pupils gather with their tutor, the shor t session commences with a prayer. All pupils explore faith in their Religious Studies Classes. Within the curriculum Chaplaincy sessions by our Lay Chaplain. These sessions focus on prayer, Lectio Divina, the Liturgical year, the traditional prayers of the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross, and visits to the Abbey Church. At the hear t of our spiritual life is Sunday Mass in the Abbey Church, celebrated by our Priest

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Chaplain and attended by all pupils. In addition, all Houses have their own termly Mass and reconciliation service. Weekday Mass, Rosary, Adoration and Confessions are all optionally available at set moments each week. Pupils are instructed for the reception of the sacraments: Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion and Confirmation. During the year, all pupils enjoy a day retreat with a different theme for each year group: Year 7 - ‘Friendship in Christ’, Year 8 - ‘Voices and Listening’, Year 9 ‘Building Community’ inspired by the Rule of St Benedict.

VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL AND MORAL UNDERSTANDING ARE EVIDENT IN PUPILS OF ALL BELIEFS OR NONE IN RESPONSE TO THE SCHOOL’S BENEDICTINE ETHOS. ISI Report

PASTORAL CARE AT D OW N S I D E W E A R E F U L LY C O M M I T T E D TO P ROV I D I N G T H E B E S T P O S S I B L E PA S TO R A L C A R E F O R E AC H C H I L D. The House communities are at the hear t of the School and they are where lasting friendships are made and memories forged. One of our Benedictine values is ‘Welcome’ and new pupils often comment that they are made to feel instantly at home. All Year 7 and 8 boys enter into Smythe House. This means the boys get to know each other before heading off to their senior Houses in Year 9 – Barlow or Rober ts or remain in Smythe for the rest of their time at Downside. Year 7 and 8 girls join Isabella House. Year 9 girls either stay in Isabella or join Caverel House. From Year10, the girls have spacious rooms on one floor and even have their own prefect who lives on the corridor and has the role of a ‘big sister’. All girls are able to socialise together in both Houses during their free time.

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The Health Centre provides 24-hour care and each House has a dedicated health care practitioner who will get to know each pupil and ensure they are healthy and know how to look after their mental and physical well-being. The Houses always have plenty of activities, competitions and social events at weekends and there are numerous trips. There are chances for responsibility and leadership in each year group throughout the School and everyone is encouraged to step out of their comfor t zone, enjoy new challenges and embrace a growth mindset.

PUPILS DEVELOP STRONGLY AS INDIVIDUALS, ENABLED BY THE VERY HIGH LEVELS OF PASTORAL CARE THEY RECEIVE, SUPPORTED IN PARTICULAR BY SYSTEMATIC AND SUCCESSFUL ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THEIR WELFARE. ISI Report

Each House has a dedicated House Master or House Mistress with a residential assistant. Every pupil has a House-based tutor who they will see every day and one evening a week to suppor t every aspect of school life. House Parents are in House every day to make sure everyone is well looked after and happy, especially at snack time!

ADMISSIONS PROCESS D OW N S I D E ’ S A D M I S S I O N S P RO C E D U R E A I M S TO E N S U R E T H AT B OY S A N D G I R L S W H O J O I N T H E S C H O O L A R E A B L E TO B E H A P P Y, S U C C E S S F U L A N D S E C U R E W I T H I N I T S AC A D E M I C , C U LT U R A L , PA S TO R A L A N D S P I R I T UA L E N V I RO N M E N T, W H E T H E R T H E Y A R E B OA R D E R S O R DAY P U P I L S . Year 7 - 9 admission to the School is normally at 11+ for Year 7 or at 13+ for Year 9. Places occasionally become available for boys and girls for admission at 12+ into Year 8. VISITING DOWNSIDE We would love to welcome you to Downside to enable you to learn more about our School, giving you an oppor tunity to meet the community who live, study and work here. You can choose from a private visit (in person or online) or come to one of our Open Mornings which are held throughout the year. Following your visit, if you wish to apply for a place at the School we would ask that you register your child for entry by completing our registration form. Following registration, we invite all candidates to complete entrance assessments and attend an interview. TASTER DAYS Your child can also experience what a real day at Downside is like, from attending academic lessons, tutor time and meals to taking par t in spor ting and co-curricular activities. REGISTRATION & ASSESSMENT: FOR YEAR 7 Registration is advised at least one year ahead of the star t date. Pupils will be invited to an assessment day in January in the year of entry where they will be required to complete an online CAT assessment and attend an interview. A reference will also be sought from the pupil’s current school.

REGISTRATION & ASSESSMENT: FOR YEAR 8 Registration for Year 8 entry is accepted in the year of entry, or earlier if possible. Pupils will be asked to complete an online CAT assessment and attend an interview. A reference will also be sought from the pupil’s current school. REGISTRATION & ASSESSMENT: FOR YEAR 9 Registration is advised at least two years ahead of the star t date. Pupils will be asked to complete an online CAT assessment. Both of these can be completed at a pupil’s current school. A reference will also be sought from their current school. Pupils will be asked to complete an online CAT assessment. Both of these can be completed at a pupil’s current school. For pupils joining us whose first language is not English, we will also ask them to complete a written English assessment. SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES Downside offers a number of scholarships for pupils hoping to join the School at 11+ and 13+. Financial suppor t, through means-tested bursary, is open to parents who are able to demonstrate, through application, that they could not otherwise send their child to the School. We believe a scholarship should not only be a recognition of your child’s achievements to date but also their potential, and a bursary should be there as financial suppor t.

D OW N S I D E S C H O O L S T R AT TO N - O N - T H E - F O S S E , R A D S TO C K , B AT H B A 3 4 R J admissions@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1761 235103