First-Third Form Booklet

ENTRY TO FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD FORMS

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.

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

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F I R S T & S E C O N D F O R M S ( Y E A R S 7 & 8 )

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T H I R D F O R M ( Y E A R 9 )

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S P O RT 1 0 P E R F O R M I N G A RT S 1 2 C O - C U R R I C U L U M 1 4 S P I R I T UA L L I F E 1 8 PA S TO R A L C A R E

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A D M I S S I O N S P RO C E S S 2 2

WELCOME C h a n g i n g s c h o o l s a t a ny s t a g e i s a n e x c i t i n g t i m e b u t , a s we a r e a l l aw a r e , c a n b e d a u n t i n g t o o. A t D ow n s i d e , we p r ov i d e a w a r m we l c o m e t o a l l o f o u r n e w p u p i l s a n d p a r e n t s w h i c h m e a n s t h e t r a n s i t i o n f r o m t h e i r c u r r e n t s c h o o l t o D ow n s i d e i s a s s m o o t h a n d a s r e w a r d i n g a s p o s s i bl e .

F i r s t F o r m ( Ye a r 7 ) o r S e c o n d F o r m ( Ye a r 8 ) e n t r y w i l l p r ov i d e yo u r s o n o r d a u g h t e r w i t h t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d e ve l o p t h e i r i n t e l l e c t u a l c u r i o s i t y t h r o u g h t h e b r e a d t h a n d d e p t h o f t h e a c a d e m i c c u r r i c u l u m av a i l a bl e . A s s i g n e d t o a d e d i c a t e d t u t o r, p u p i l s a r e not only suppor ted in their academic studies, but also outside the classroom making t h e m o s t o f o u r v a s t a r r ay o f s p o r t i n g c o - c u r r i c u l a r a c t i v i t i e s o n o f fe r w h i c h t a ke p l a c e o n t h e S c h o o l ’s c a m p u s .

T h i r d F o r m ( Ye a r 9 ) e n t r y i s a t i m e w h e n we we l c o m e o u r l a r g e s t n u m b e r o f p u p i l s t o the School from a variety of Prep Schools from around the countr y or indeed from ove r s e a s . I t i s a t i m e f o r p r e p a r a t i o n , d e ve l o p m e n t a n d e x p l o r a t i o n p r i o r t o t h e t wo ye a r G C S E c o u r s e t h a t s t a r t s i n t h e F o u r t h F o r m ( Ye a r 1 0 ) .

We s e e t h e S c h o o l ’s r o l e a s mu c h m o r e t h a n s i m p l y p r e p a r i n g p u p i l s t o w i n p l a c e s a t g o o d u n i ve r s i t i e s ( a l t h o u g h we d o p l e n t y o f t h i s t o o ! ) . We a r e i n s t i l l i n g s t a n d a r d s f o r l i fe – g i v i n g yo u n g p e o p l e t h e q u a l i t i e s o f c h a r a c t e r t h e y n e e d t o b e c o m e i n s p i r i n g l e a d e r s , t r u s t e d e m p l oye e s a n d v a l u e d f r i e n d s w i t h i n t h e g r e a t e r c o m mu n i t y.

I d o h o p e yo u e n j oy r e a d i n g t h i s b o o k l e t a n d I l o o k f o r w a r d t o we l c o m i n g yo u a n d yo u r f a m i l y t o s e e fi r s t - h a n d e ve r y t h i n g D ow n s i d e h a s t o o f fe r yo u r c h i l d .

BELEN IGLESIAS H e a d o f F i r s t t o F i f t h Fo r m s

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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. The personal growth and change that occurs by being par t of a community with Benedictine values at its centre allows every pupil to feel accepted and valued unconditionally. This means that they can grow and develop in confidence to achieve their best and suppor t others to do the same.

We consider that the journey is as impor tant as the destination. If pupils focus on being the best version of themselves every day, the examinations will take care of themselves.

The curriculum is varied and stimulating, and we allow for every pupil to feel suppor ted to reach their academic potential. All pupils will

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All pupils have a dedicated tutor to help them on their journey at Downside. Each weekday, the First and Second Forms complete their homework during one of two sessions, either late afternoon or early evening, in a supervised atmosphere. This also includes day pupils, most of whom choose to stay at school to work with their friends before going home for the evening.

The Third Form do their homework after supper.

OUR YOUNGEST SON HAS JUST JOINED THE FIRST FORM AND IS NOT ONLY LOVING IT BUT THRIVING TOO. WE FEEL REASSURED THAT OUR THREE BOYS ARE VERY HAPPY AT DOWNSIDE AND CONTINUE TO DEVELOP STRONG PRINCIPLES WHILST FLOURISHING ACADEMICALLY AND ON THE SPORTS PITCHES THANKS TO A CARING AND DEDICATED STAFF. Current Parent

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study two languages and, from Third form, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are taught separately.

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FIRST & SECOND FORMS (YEARS 7 & 8) T H E F I R S T A N D S E C O N D F O R M P U P I L S E X P E R I E N C E A C R E AT I V E C U R R I C U L U M W H I C H C O N S TA N T LY E N G E N D E R S A L OV E O F L E A R N I N G A N D W H I C H N U RT U R E S I N T E L L E C T UA L C U R I O S I T Y. We want our younger pupils to master skills in numeracy and literacy whilst being confident enough to be creative and to take calculated risks. We build resilience and suppor t pupils’ well-being whilst providing them with increasing oppor tunities for independent learning and thought.

The programme of study for the First and Second Forms contains a broad and balanced range of subjects providing them with a secure base upon which to progress to GCSE.

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It is not a requirement for Second Form pupils to complete the Common Entrance Examinations to progress into our Third Form.

PUPILS ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED LEARNERS… A CLEAR AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO LEARNING PERMEATES THE WHOLE SCHOOL, ENABLED

BY EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STAFF AND PUPILS. ISI Report

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Pupils will study English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Studies, Ar t, Drama, Music, Classics, French, Spanish, Geography, History, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physical Education and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

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THIRD FORM (YEAR 9)

T H E T H I R D F O R M I S A R E A L LY E X C I T I N G A N D D I V E R S E Y E A R . P U P I L S H AV E T H E O P P O RT U N I T Y TO S E E T H E B R E A D T H O F O P T I O N S AVA I L A B L E AT D OW N S I D E .

This is a time for pupils to hone their skills and identify where their per sonal strengths lie. This is vital in helping them choose wisely what subjects they want to continue studying for their GCSEs. I n t h i s ye a r t h e c u r r i c u l u m i s f o c u s e d o n d e ve l o p i n g t h e techniques and skills required for GCSEs. The cur r iculum oppor tunities are increased.

T h e r e a r e a l s o o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o b r o a d e n t h e i r k n ow l e d g e b e yo n d t h e c u r r i c u l u m i n t h e n u m e r o u s a c a d e m i c c l u b s a n d s o c i e t i e s . T h e y w i l l , a s a l w ay s , b e g u i d e d by t h e i r t e a c h e r s a n d t u t o r s w h o h ave a d e t a i l e d k n ow l e d g e o f e ve r y p u p i l i n their classes and who are dedicated to ensuring all pupils a c h i e ve t h e i r m a x i mu m p o t e n t i a l .

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THIS IS MY 3RD YEAR AT DOWNSIDE, I HAVE GOT A SPORT SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR. I AM A BOARDER AND REALLY ENJOY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES, AND I AM PART OF THE SCHOLA CANTOURM, WHICH IS THE SCHOOL CHOIR. MY FAVOURITE PART OF DOWNSIDE IS THE SPACE AND MY FAVOURITE SPORT IS RUGBY. Third Form Pupil

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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 spor ts, 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

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PERFORMING ARTS There are oppor tunities for all ages and levels of ability, suppor ted by first-class tuition and outstanding facilities including the magnificent Downside Abbey Church, a Mac suite dedicated to Music and a Performing Ar ts Centre which houses a recording studio and a 400-seat theatre.

Downside is renowned for the quality of its music, and your child will feel inspired with oppor tunities to listen and par ticipate in music throughout the week. One-to-one music lessons are provided across a range of instruments enabling your child to focus on the music that they enjoy and excel at.

Outside of timetabled lessons, there are extensive oppor tunities to get involved with at Downside including Choir, Drum Line, String Ensemble, Concer t Band and Orchestra. Founded over a century ago, Downside’s Schola Cantorum is the oldest Roman Catholic school choir in the United Kingdom.

Younger pupils regularly perform on equal terms with our older, more experienced pupils and invited professionals. First to Third Form pupils have their own annual production with oppor tunities for involvement as a principal, in the chorus, band or backstage.

The annual Inter-House music competition is a fiercely fought contest involving everyone in the fun!

More details of our co-curriculum programme can be found on pages 14-17.

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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

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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 100 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.

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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 Third Form (aged 13+) pupils are able to experience the full range of CCF activities during the academic year. At the end of the Third Form, 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 throughout 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

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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: First Form - ‘Friendship in Christ’, Second Form - ‘Voices and Listening’, Third Form - ‘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

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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 First, Second and Third Form boys enter Smythe House. This means the boys get to know each other before heading off to their senior Houses – Barlow or Rober ts or remain in Smythe – in the Four th Form. The First and Second Form pupils have a special boarding area and recreation room in the House and the Third Form pupils have a spacious Day Room complete with table tennis, table football and a big screen for film nights.

First and Second Form girls join Isabella House. Third Form girls either stay in Isabella or join Caverel House. From Four th Form 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

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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!

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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 .

First to Third Form admission to the School is normally at 11+ for the First Form (Year 7) or, at 13+ for the Third Form (Year 9).

Places occasionally become available for boys and girls for admission at 12+ into the Second Form (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 FIRST FORM (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 SECOND FORM (YEAR 8) Registration for Second Form 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 THIRD FORM (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.

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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