PRE A-LEVEL PATHWAY COURSE FOR INTERNATIONAL PUPILS
INTRODUCTION
Downside is a special place with a deep understanding of the needs of international boarding pupils and their parents.
Downside offers a rich and unique history of strong values in an inspiring setting with an unsurpassed level of care.
At Downside an international pupil is welcomed, highly valued and included at the heart of all things.
Downside challenges pupils to live a life of humility, personal discipline and empathy in the pursuit of academic excellence and a well-rounded individual.
Downside pupils work hard, contribute to their community, and show ambition in all things. They take joy in life’s journey as part of a supportive community.
The Pre-A Level Course for International Pupils provides an inspiring preparation for A Level study. It combines full immersion as a Downside pupil with exceptional pastoral care; the full range of engaging and exhilarating co-curricular activities and an innovate academic provision to support subject development, English language acquisition, cultural integration and confidence to join the academic mainstream to study at A Level.
DOWNSIDE BOARDING
Downside’s historic Houses are welcoming, bustling, caring places full of love, life and laughter.
Each House is led by an experienced House Master or House Mistress who is always available to pupil and parents.
Houses are places where pupils find friendship and fulfilment in a home away from home.
In their Houses pupils participate in sport, music, drama, outdoor pursuits, and spiritual activities. They enjoy weekend trips to Bath, Bristol, and local cultural sites.
Pupils benefit from a safe, structured, and emotionally supportive environment, with access to the Health & Wellbeing Centre and a comprehensive pastoral network.
DOWNSIDE CO-CURRICULUM
Downside’s co-curriculum range spans all imaginable pursuits beyond the traditional comprehensive sports programme that you would expect from a leading UK Boarding school.
Outdoor Education
Weekends are for adventure! Pupils can go caving, canoeing, dinghy sailing, kayaking, off road cycling, rock climbing, scuba diving, clay shooting or paddleboarding.
Pupils are encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.
Clubs and Activities
Wednesday afternoons are a time for clubs and activities ranging from horse riding to ceramics; from The Combined Cadet Force to fencing or archery.
Sports and Games
With a swimming pool, a sports hall, squash courts, a fitness suite, netball and tennis courts, a hockey astro turf, rugby pitches and cricket pitches all traditional sports are catered for.
Off site, pupils can play golf, play tennis indoor, sail on the Cheddar reservoir, canoe on the River Avon.
Art, Design and Technology
Pupils can create work in a range of media in the art studio.
The Design and Technology facility offers pupils a place to design and create.
Music, Drama and Dance
Music is woven into the fabric of school life for all pupils. For those who wish, there is also the chance to have private lessons in a comprehensive range of instruments.
Pupils can study dance and drama and take part in performances and plays in the purpose-built theatre.
ACADEMIC SUBJECTS
Academic subjects are provided by subject specialist teachers focused on ensuring that pupils are fully prepared for their next stage of study.
Pupils study Maths, Science, Computer Science and Religious Studies as standard. Alternative subject options can be considered – please contact admissions to discuss.
Pupils sit an internal start of term and end of term paper to assess their level of understanding and attainment. They are also evaluated throughout the term to track progress in Organisation, Engagement, Collaboration and Resilience. These are additional qualities that we develop in pupils to help them transition to mainstream academics.
Start of Term and End of Term internal assessment based on selected exam. Weekly practice tests. Ongoing classwork and prep
Ongoing in classwork and prep and from Start of Term and End of Term EAL assessment.
English classes are engaging, communicative, develop all four skills and use a range of technology to maximise efficiency.
DOWNSIDE SCHOOL STRATTON-ON-THE-FOSSE, RADSTOCK, BATH BA3 4RJ
admissions@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1761 235103
