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persuasion to spread their wings. Boarders here are expected to sign up to a certain number of after-school co-curricular activities and day students are also welcome to join. Tutors ensure a ABOVE & BELOW good balance of activities – and The arts in all their also make sure pupils honour forms are celebrated at Downe House their co-curricular commitments made at the start of each term. For students who are more focused on, say, science subjects, the school designs options that will appeal. For instance, creating science-themed videos or animations and fashion theatre productions can help to bring girls’ interests into play. A recent example of the cross-disciplinary approach was a drama production Welcome to Terezin, about life in a wartime concentration camp. It was an ambitious production, warmly received, and with appeal to historians as well as pupils who enjoy acting and behind-the-scenes roles. St Swithun’s sees a chief benefit of arts activities as developing critical thinking, alongside communication and creative skills. It adds that promoting cultural awareness and emotional intelligence are vital parts of what the arts bring to young “They have the opportunity to work using people’s lives within and beyond school. a variety of subject matter and media and develop skills to interpret and convey ideas and feelings.” Just as important are the analytical, experimental and documenting skills developed and honed by these subjects. owne House offers a full Co-curriculum activities are broad, and curriculum across creative an important part of life at the Berkshire subjects, including History of school. “Our department and pastoral staff Art, Ceramics, Textiles and support the girls to find the right balance 3D Design. Art and Design is and diversity of activities, which can include on the curriculum for the first two years joining a formal group or creating their own “This enables pupils to develop the ability to group,” says Tara Reeve. These may be staff appreciate the visual world and to respond or pupil led, but the focus is on encouraging in a personal and creative way,” says Downe girls to try new things. “We also find House Director of Admissions Tara Reeve.
“Promoting cultural awareness and emotional intelligence are vital parts of what the arts bring to young people’s lives”
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opportunities for our pupils to visit exhibitions and galleries, enjoy stage productions and films, as well as providing performing and creative arts workshops,” adds Tara Reeve. The emphasis at the full-boarding school is on ensuring a rounded education – and some fun. “There is no better way of getting pupils involved than introducing a little healthy competition – and our inter-House competitions (House Drama, Dance, Art and Music), led by our Sixth Form House captains, are a great way of encouraging participation.” Cross-department initiatives, such as a recent groundbreaking Art/Music collaboration called ‘Soundscapes’, add depth and innovation to the creative offer. Tara Reeve says school facilities such as 3D printers are well used for creative endeavours, and weekend workshops in areas such as jewellery making are a huge hit. All media and mediums are explored, and one popular annual event is a Year 9 project with a film company where teams spend a day creating a film around campus. “The pupils fully embrace this opportunity, and the project is rounded off with an Oscars-themed evening of fine dining, where all the videos are shown, and everyone dresses up for the occasion.” Tara Reeve says the arts have a vital role in developing young people’s confidence and self-belief. “Finding and nurturing a pupil’s strengths and talents is our mission and in the case of the creative arts and performing arts, there are so many opportunities for our pupils to explore their artistic and creative potential.” SPRING 2023 | A B S O LU T E LY E D U C AT I O N | 53