WELCOME
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME YOU TO THE DOWNSIDE ONLINE GCSEAND A LEVEL EASTER REVISION COURSE.THE COURSE IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT AND COMPLEMENT THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE WITH YOUR TEACHERS AND THE REVISION PROGRAMME THAT YOUWILL, NO DOUBT, ALREADY HAVE PLANNED; IT IS, HOWEVER, ANOTHER TOOL TO BOLSTER YOUR EXAMINATION PREPARATION.
We understand the pressure that you may be feeling as you approach your GCSE and A Level examinations, and our highly qualified staff will guide and support you through targeted revision sessions. Please read the session summaries carefully, in order that you are prepared for them.We are lucky at Downside to have a good number of experienced GCSE and A level examiners as members of staff, many of whom will be delivering some of the revision sessions.
RICHARD RAWLINS Head of Sixth Form
rrawlins@downside.co.uk
The difference effective revision can make to examination attainment is well understood, and the undertaking of structured and timely revision, guided by experienced staff, will allow you to approach your examinations with the confidence that you are well prepared for them. Please do not hesitate to contact one of us if you have any questions.
Please note these sessions are at UK time and will all be conducted by Microsoft Teams.
GCSE REVISION COURSES
BIOLOGY
I
Examining Board: Edexcel Subject Entry Code: IB10 Biology
31st March 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
GCSE Combined Science (Biology): CB1 Key Concepts
Recap and consolidate the fundamental ideas that underpin both Paper 1 and Paper 2 such as cell biology, enzymes and transporting substances. It is suitable for pupils studying Combined Science (Higher) as well as those studying Separate Biology who would like to review these core ideas and is particularly suited to those targeting Grades 4 – 6.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE Separate Science (Biology): SB1 Key Concepts
Recap and consolidate the fundamental ideas that underpin both Paper 1 and Paper 2 such as cell biology, enzymes and transporting substances. There will be a particular focus on the Separate only content and the opportunity to ask questions. This session is particularly suited those to targeting Grade 7+.
1st April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
GCSE Combined Science (Biology): CB2 Cells & Control and CB3 Genetics
This session covers the details of cell division including both mitosis and meiosis before moving onto simple genetics including genetic diagrams and Punnet squares. It is suitable for students studying Combined Science (Higher) as well as those studying Separate Biology who would like to review this core content and is particularly suited to those targeting Grades 4 – 6.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE Separate Science (Biology): SB2 Cells & Control and SB3 Genetics
This session covers the details of cell division including both mitosis and meiosis before moving onto advanced genetics including multiple alleles, codominance and protein synthesis. There will be a particular focus on the Separate only content and the opportunity to ask questions. This session is particularly suited those to targeting Grade 7+.
2nd April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
GCSE Combined Science (Biology): CB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modifications and CB5 Health & Disease
This session consolidates the process of evolution by natural selection and how humans have harnessed this through both selective breeding and gene technologies. It then moves on to pathogens, disease, the immune response and vaccination. It is suitable for students studying Combined Science (Higher) as well as those studying Separate Biology who would like to review this core content and is particularly suited to those targeting Grades 4 – 6.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE Separate Science (Biology): SB4 Natural Selection and Genetic Modifications and SB5 Health & Disease
This session explores the role of Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace in the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection, weighing up evidence from early humans and the pentadactyl limb. It then moves on to pathogens and disease with an exploration of virus lifecycles and monoclonal antibody therapy. There will be a particular focus on the Separate only content and the opportunity to ask questions. This session is particularly suited those to targeting Grade 7+.
3rd April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
GCSE Combined Science (Biology): CB6 Plants and CB7 Homeostasis
In this session, students will review the topics covered in Paper 2. Specifically, photosynthesis, transpiration and translocation in plants, and homeostatic mechanisms in humans. It is suitable for students studying Combined Science (Higher) as well as those studying Separate Biology who would like to review this core content and is particularly suited to those targeting Grades 4 – 6.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE Separate Science (Biology): SB6 Plants and SB7 Homeostasis
This session explores advanced plant biology, including the roles of plant hormones and their application in farming. From within the Homeostasis chapter there will be particular focus on the Separate only content such as osmoregulation, hormonal control of the menstrual cycle and reproductive technologies. This session is particularly suited those to targeting Grade 7+.
4th
April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
GCSE Combined Science (Biology): CB8 Exchange and Transport and CB9 Ecosystems and Material Cycles
This session covers aerobic and anaerobic respiration and the structure of the heart and circulatory system. It then moves onto ecosystems and the flow of materials in the water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. It is suitable for pupils studying Combined Science (Higher) as well as those studying Separate Biology who would like to review this core content and is particularly suited to those targeting Grades 4 – 6.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE Separate Science (Biology): SB8 Exchange and Transport and SB9 Ecosystems and Material Cycles
This session covers aerobic and anaerobic respiration and the structure of the heart and circulatory system. It then moves onto ecosystems and the flow of materials in the water, nitrogen and carbon cycles. There will be a particular focus on the Separate only content such as the importance of indicator species and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. This session is particularly suited those to targeting Grade 7+.
CHEMISTRY I
10th April 2025
9:00am - 10:00am (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 1
Key concepts in Chemistry (Paper 1 and 2)
Areas of focus will be: Types of Bonding; Electrolytic processes; Fuels; Earth and Atmospheric Science.
10:15 - 11:15am (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 2
Calculations are a ready source of marks in every paper. Each of the different types of calculation will be practiced identifying areas of difficulty and strategies to be more successful.
For those studying separate science, time will be spent on calculations involving solutions, gases, and titrations.
11:30am - 12:30pm (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 3
Every examination paper contains 6-mark questions requiring structure and a progression of ideas to get the highest marks. Recent sixmark questions will be used to review a range of Chemistry topics and then additional questions will be practiced.
11th April 2025
1:30pm - 2:30pm (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 4
Acids and Alkalis; Groups in the Periodic table; Obtaining and using metals.
2:45pm - 3:45pm (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 5
Rates of Reaction; Heat energy changes in chemical reactions; Hydrocarbons Alcohols; Carboxylic acids and Polymers will be reviewed for any taking the separate award.
4:00pm - 5:00pm (1 hour)
GCSE Chemistry Separate or Combined Science Session 6
The Chemistry Core practical's will be reviewed.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Examining Board: Edexcel Subject Entry Code: IGCSE I
31stMarch2025
9:30am-11:00am(1.5hour)
IGCSE English Language Paper 1: Non-Fiction; Transactional Writing
In this session, you will revise the techniques needed for responding to Section A of the Anthology, focusing on key terms, concepts, and exam-style responses. You will choose one text for detailed study, review the Assessment Objectives for longer questions 4 and 5, and practise integrating these into your written work.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
IGCSE English Language Paper 2: Poetry and Prose; Imaginative Writing
In this session, you will focus on two or three texts from Part 2 of the Anthology, analysing the writers' use of Language, Form, and Structure while refining your ability to structure responses and maintain control of your writing. Additionally, the session will delve into Imaginative Writing, guiding you on how to respond effectively to these questions by blending your creativity with careful control of style and structure.
1st April 2025
1:30pm - 3:00pm (1.5 hour)
IGCSE English Lang Paper 1 Section B Part 1: Non-Fiction; Transactional Writing
Writing an effective Letter and Speech – top tips and exam planning techniques. Bundles of free practice ideas and easy ways to raise your grade including easy-to -remember exam approaches.
3rd April 2025
1:30pm - 3:00pm (1.5 hour)
IGCSE English Lang Paper 1 Section B Part 2: Non-Fiction; Transactional Writing
Part 2: Thursday (90 minutes) Writing an effective magazine article and producing high scoring Imaginative writing under timed pressure
ENGLISH LITERATURE
1st April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
IGCSE English Lit Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose (Of Mice and Men)
This session will prepare you for two key areas of your IGCSE exam. In Section A: Unseen Poetry, you will learn how to approach a poem you are seeing for the first time by reading for meaning and general effect, then analysing how the poet's choices of language and structure create impact. You will also revise a selection of technical terms and practice structuring focused, efficient responses. In Section B: Modern Prose, the focus will be on Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, exploring its main themes, characters, and locations. You will review the relevant Assessment Objectives, including Context, and develop essay plans to ensure your responses are tailored to the exam requirements.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
IGCSE English Lit Paper 2: An Inspector Calls and Macbeth
These sessions will focus the main themes, characters and locations of these texts, revise the Assessment Objectives (including Context where needed) and work on essay plans to ensure that your responses are closely tied to the needs of the exam
FRENCH Examining Board: AQA
2nd April 2025
I
10:00am -12:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE French Paper 2 - Speaking
Revision and practice of oral cards and role plays along with general conversation.
3rd April 2025
10:00am -12:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE French Paper 3 – Reading
Revision and practice of translations into English.
4th April 2025
10:00am -12:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE French Paper 4 – Writing
Revision and practice of 90 and 150 word essays along with revision of translations into French.
HISTORY Examining Board: Edexcel Subject Entry Code: 1H10 History I
GCSE History Paper 1 (Medicine through time) and GCSE History Paper 2 (Kings Richard and John), both include a 20-minute plenary at 12:40pm till 1pm in which they’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to Mr Gostlow.
17th April 2025
9:00am - 10.30am (1.5 hour)
GCSE History Paper 1 (Medicine through time)
• Knowledge review
• Conceptual focus and sources
• Examination practice
11:00am - 12:30pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE History Paper 2 (King Richard and King John)
• Knowledge review
• Conceptual focus and explanations
• Examination practice
GCSE History Paper 2 (Spain and the New World) and GCSE History Paper 3 (Weimar and Nazi Germany), both include a 20-minute plenary at 5:40pm till 6pm in which they’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to Mr Gostlow.
2:00pm - 3:30pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE History Paper 2 (Spain and the New World)
• Knowledge review
• Conceptual focus and explanations
• Examination practice
4:00pm - 5:30pm (1.5 hour)
GCSE History Paper 3 (Weimar and Nazi Germany)
• Knowledge review
• Conceptual focus and explanations
• Examination practice
MATHEMATICS I
Session 1 for each grade boundary will look at relevant techniques and answer any questions students may have regarding different topics and techniques. At the end of session 1, students will be given questions to take away and complete. For Session 2, these questions will be reviewed and broken down.
Before the beginning of the course, pupils should contact Dr Tapia via email to explain what areas and topics they would like to cover during the course.
31st March 2025
9:00am - 10:00am (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 4 & 5 Session 1
1:00pm - 2:00pm (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 8 & 9 Session 1
1st April 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 6 & 7 Session 1
2nd April 2025
9:00am - 10:00am (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 4 & 5 Session 2
1:00pm - 2:00pm (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 8 & 9 Session 2
3rd April 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm (1 hour)
IGCSE Mathematics Grades 6 & 7 Session 2
PHYSICS Examining Board: Edexcel Subject Entry Code: 1PH0 Physics I
7th April 2025
8:30am - 10:30am (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Forces and Motion
The focus will be on developing a structured approach to calculations which make up 25% of the content. In addition to this we will be using the 6 mark questions as a vehicle to embed the understanding of key principle
11:00am - 1:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Waves
Consolidating wave characteristics, properties, uses and hazards of the electromagnetic spectrum Wave eqn. Lenses, the ear, ultrasound and infra sound.
8th April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Radiation
Rutherford scattering and model of atom Types of radiation and their properties Half life and decay equations Uses of radiation, nuclear fission and fusion.
2:00pm - 4:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Energy and Matter
Sankey diagrams and efficiency, heat transfer. Work,energy and power equations. Density, deforming materials, pressure and buoyancy. Gas laws and thermodynamics.
9th April 2025
8:30am - 10:30am (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Circuits
Charge, current, voltage, resistance and energy will be the fundamental concepts explained which under pin this topic. Ohm ’s law and electrical safety will also be covered.
11:00am - 1:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Electromagnets
The motor effect and Fleming’s left-hand rule will be explained and structured longer questions will be used to gothrough transformers and uses of electromagnets and electromagnetic induction.
10th April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Astronomy
Life cycle of stars and Big bang theory will be explained
2:00pm - 4:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Core Practicals
Basic methods, analysis, graphs, errors and improvements – linking them back to the underlying theory.
11th April 2025
8:30am - 10:30am (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Generic 6 Mark Questions
How to approach the more generic 6 mark questions, especially those referencing graphs.
11:00am - 1:00pm (2 hour)
GCSE Physics Q&A
General Q & A addressing questions raised by pupils or developing specific topics/point.
A LEVEL REVISION COURSES
31st March 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A Level Biology: Sections 1 & 2 – Biological Molecules, Nucleic Acids, Cells, Transport and Cell Recognition
Structured around extended response 5/6 mark questions, this session will guide pupils in structuring exam answers that are rich in the key words from the topics of Biological Molecules, Nucleic Acids, Cells, Transport and Cell Recognition. There will also be an opportunity for pupils to ask questions relating to this part of the course and to submit topic requests in advance. This session is aimed at those targeting grades in the range of B – D.
1st April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A Level Biology: Sections 3 & 4 – Exchange, Mass Transport, DNA and Protein Synthesis, Genetic Diversity
Structured around extended response 5/6 mark questions, this session will guide pupils in structuring exam answers that are rich in the key words from the topics of Exchange, Mass Transport, DNA, Protein Synthesis and Genetic Diversity. There will also be an opportunity for pupils to ask questions relating to this part of the course and to submit topic requests in advance. This session is aimed at those targeting grades in the range of B – D.
2nd April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A Level Biology: Sections 5&6 -Energy transfers and responding the environment
Structured around extended response 5/6 mark questions, this session will guide pupils in structuring exam answers that are rich in the key words from topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Receptors and Action Potentials. There will also be an opportunity for pupils to ask questions relating to this part of the course and to submit topic requests in advance. This session is aimed at those targeting grades in the range of B – D.
BIOLOGY Examining Board: AQA Subject Entry Code: 7402 Biology I
3rd April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A Level Biology: Sections 7&8 – Genetics, populations, ecosystems, control of gene expression, gene technologies
Structured around extended response 5/6 mark questions, this session will guide pupils in structuring exam answers that are rich in the key words from topics including Genetics, Populations, Ecosystems and Gene Technologies. There will also be an opportunity for pupils to ask questions relating to this part of the course and to submit topic requests in advance. This session is aimed at those targeting grades in the range of B – D.
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A Level Biology: Section 9 – Maths Skills, Practical Skills and decoding exam questions
This session recaps the fundamental maths skills required for A Level Biology and guides pupils through the process of decoding a range of sample exam questions. This session is aimed at those targeting grades in the range of B – D.
ENGLISH LITERATURE
I Examining Board: OCR Subject Entry Code: H472 English Literature
2nd April 2025
9:30am - 11:00am (1.5 hour)
A Level English Lit Session 1: Close Reading (preparation for Paper 1 Section 1A (Hamlet Extract) and Paper 2 Section A (Gothic unseen)
1. How to approach a close reading essay: a step-by-step focus on what the examiner is looking for;
2. Skills for writing: how to comment in detail on language, form, structure and dramatic effect;
3. Example material: Analysing an extract and studying high-performing scripts to understand what makes a good answer.
11:30am - 1:00pm (1.5 hour)
A Level English Lit Session 2: Comparative Essays (preparation for Paper 1 Section B (A Doll’s House / Paradise Lost Books 9 and 10) and Paper 2 Section B (Gothic novels: Dracula and Rebecca)
1. Comparative skills: how to cover both texts in balance;
2. Essay planning: considering ways to structure your argument;
3. Context: incorporating details of context into the essay from the planning stage;
4. Critical responses: incorporating details of critical responses into the essay from the planning stage.
1:30pm - 3:00pm (1.5 hour)
A Level English Lit Session 3: Hamlet Whole-Text Response (preparation for Paper 1 Section 1B)
A focus on the AO5 requirement for the thematic Hamlet essay on paper
1. A look at the thematic question: how to plan and structure an answer;
2 . A critical history of Hamlet- ‘changing critical views through time’. A look at the development of criticism over time covering some key characters and themes;
3 . How to blend critical views into your response.
HISTORY
OF ART I
Examining Board: Edexcel Subject Entry Code: 9HT0
A-Level History of Art Paper 1 – Session 1 (Visual Analysis and Themes) and A-Level History of Art Paper 1 – Session 2 (Themes), both include a 20 -minute plenary at 12:40pm till 1pm in which they’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to Mr Gostlow.
16th April 2025
9:00am - 10:30am (1.5 hour)
A-Level History of Art Paper 1 – Session 1 (Visual Analysis and Themes)
• Image list review
• Painting, sculpture and architecture key terms
• Examination practice
11:00am - 12:30am (1.5 hour)
A-Level History of Art Paper 1 – Session 2 (Themes)
• 'Nature' overview
• 'Identities' overview
• Examination practice
A-Level History of Art Paper 2 – Session 1 (Avant-Garde) and A-Level History of Art Paper 2 – Session 2 (Modernism), both include a 20minute plenary at 5:40pm till 6pm in which they’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to Mr Gostlow.
2:00pm - 3:30pm (1.5 hour)
A-Level History of Art Paper 2 – Session 1 (Avant-Garde)
• Image list review
• Critical text review
• Examination practice
4:00pm - 5:30pm (1.5 hour)
A-Level History of Art Paper 2 – Session 2 (Modernism)
• Image list review
• Critical text review
• Examination practice
MATHEMATICS I Examining Bo
Session 1 for each topic will look at relevant techniques and answer any questions students may have regarding different topics and techniques. At the end of session 1, students will be given questions to take away and complete. For Session 2, these questions will be reviewed and broken down.
Before the beginning of the course, students should contact Dr Tapia via email to explain what areas and topics they would like to cover during the course.
31st March 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Calculus Session 1
3:00pm - 4:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Mechanics Session 1
1st April 2025
9:00am - 10:00am (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Trigonometry Session 1
1:00pm - 2:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Statistics Session 1
3:00pm - 4:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics More Pure Session 1
2nd April 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Calculus Session 2
3:00pm - 4:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Mechanics Session 2
3rd April 2025
9:00am - 10:00am (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Trigonometry Session 2
1:00pm - 2:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics Statistics Session 2
3:00pm - 4:00pm (1 hour)
A Level Mathematics More Pure Session 2
PHYSICS
I
Examining Board: AQA Subject Entry Code: 7408 Physics
A selection of multiple choice questions will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. Newton’s laws, projectiles, equilibrium, vectors, momentum, energy and properties of matter.
7th April 2025
4:00pm - 6:00pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Forces
Longer questions focusing on key words will be used as the main mechanism to develop u nderstanding of key concepts i.e. wave properties, the CRO, re fraction, superposition, interference, diffraction and stationary waves.
8th April 2025
8:30am - 10:30am (2 hour)
A-level Physics Quantum Phenomena
Longer questions focusing on key words will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. Fundamental particles and interactions, photoelectric effect, wave particle duality and electron diffraction, atomic spectra.
11:00am - 1:00pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Circuits
A selection of multiple choice questions will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. potential difference, current, energy, resistance, emf and potential dividers.
9th April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics SHM, circular motion and Gravitational field theory
A selection of multiple choice questions will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. centripetal force and accele ration, SHM, graphical analysis, resonance, gravitational field strength and potential, GPE and escape velocity.
4:00pm - 6:00pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Thermodynamics and Nuclear Physics
Longer questions focusing on key words will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. Gas laws, kinetic theory of gases, specific heat capacity and latent heat. Rutherford scattering, electron diffraction, properties of radiation and radioactive decay. Nuclear energy and fission and fusion.
10th April 2025
8:30am - 10:30am (2 hour)
A-level Physics Electromagnetism
Longer questions focusing on key words will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts i.e. mass spectrometer, cyclotron, faradays and Lenz’s law.
11:00am - 1:00pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Electric fields and capacitors
A selection of multiple choice questions will be used as the main mechanism to develop understanding of key concepts.
11th April 2025
1:30pm - 3:30pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Core Practicals
Basic methods, analysis, graphs, errors and improvements – linking them back to the underlying theory.
4:00pm - 6:00pm (2 hour)
A-level Physics Practical skills, uncertainty and graphical analysis
Absolute and percentage uncertainty of measured and calculated values. Use of error bars. Linking graphs to unfamiliar equations. Manipulating axes to “straighten lines”, use of logs and the exponential function.
Fees and Booking
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES DEPARTMENT AT https://www.cognitoforms.com/ DownsideSchool/DownsideSchoolOnlineEasterRevisionCourse2025 OR BY SCANNING THE QR CODE. PAYMENT WILL BE REQUESTED ON BOOKING, AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
1.5 HOUR SESSION
2 HOUR SESSION £27 £36
1 HOUR SESSION £18 For more information please email rstaines@downside.co.uk
ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE BOOKING FORM.
Admission to Sixth Form
WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE START OF THE SIXTH FORM IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING POINTS IN A CHILD’S EDUCATION. IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY DECIDE WHAT THEY WILL BE STUDYING, AND THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE CONTROL OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
As they embark on their Sixth Form studies, they will also notice a shift in the teacher-pupil relationship, with lessons being much more of a collaborative effort between teachers and pupils, where their voice counts that much more.With these changes come greater responsibilities, of course, particularly in terms of developing their independence where study is concerned; they have to learn to manage their time and work effectively and to seek out opportunities to deepen and broaden their academic knowledge and skills.They will be, of course, fully supported in developing the skills they need for success in the Sixth Form and beyond.The Sixth Form PSHEE programme begins in the Lower Sixth with sessions on study skills that will help develop their learning habits that will be essential both in the Sixth Form and in Higher Education. Each pupil will be assigned to one of a team of specialist and experienced Sixth Form tutors who will help them avoid the potential pitfalls that come with greater independence and who will also, in conjunction with the Head of Careers and the Head of Sixth Form, provide guidance and advice in choosing, and preparing for, the next stage of their education.
Outside the academic curriculum, there are many opportunities afforded to every pupil at Downside to develop their interests and transferable skills.The PSHEE programme is focused on their life after leaving school, with modules on topics ranging from the aforementioned study skills to making pastry, to conflict avoidance, to managing finances; the content of this programme is under constant review, and feedback from pupils is always welcome – it is, after all, their programme.The Sixth Form School Council is an ideal way to have their voice heard, and represents one of the many leadership opportunities available in the Sixth Form at Downside. Whether as an NCO in the CCF, a school or house prefect, a Lectio leader, a captain of a sports team or member of the School Council, the Sixth Form is an opportunity for them to help shape the School, not just for their benefit but that of future cohort.
SCHOLARSHIPS
At Downside, we seek to encourage and nurture excellence through our Scholarship Awards, and for these awards to be funded by a financial package to enable pupils to come to the school who, without the assistance of a scholarship, would not be able to do so. As a guide, scholarships are generally worth between 5% and 10% of the fees, or carry music and art lessons. This financial award may be enhanced by a means-tested bursary if parents are able to demonstrate, through application, that they could not otherwise send their child to the school. Applications should be made by mid-October whilst in Fifth Form (Year 11), with Assessment Days taking place in the November. Pupils must be registered at the time of Scholarship and Bursary application.
APPLICATION TO JOIN OUR SIXTH FORM
How to apply
Pupils are required to register, by returning the Registration Form and £125 fee, at least 8 to 12 months ahead of entry date. Pupils will be required to complete entrance papers in the subjects they wish to study at A level if they wish to receive an unconditional offer.Alternatively, conditional offers will be made through a satisfactory school reference and predicted A level grades. For all pupils, a reference will be sought from the candidate’s current school. For those pupils who do not have English as their first language, there is an additional EAL test.
What then?
Successful completion of the entry tests will be followed by an offer of a guaranteed (unconditional) place at Downside. In order to accept our offer and secure a place at the School, we require parents to sign a parental contract and to make a deposit payment. The deposit is then held by the School until the payment of the final bill on leaving Downside School.
