The Downe House Podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the Downe House podcast, the focus is on the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a course designed for sixth form students to develop their research and analytical skills. Ms. Victoria Ryan, Head of EPQ, discusses the structure of the course, the importance of independent research, and how it prepares students for university. Two sixth formers, Camille and Imogen, share insights into their individual EPQ projects, exploring topics related to media influence and ethical considerations in organ donation. The conversation highlights the support students receive throughout the research process and the skills they develop, culminating in presentations that showcase their findings.TakeawaysThe EPQ is designed to develop research and analytical skills.Students can choose topics related to their interests or university aspirations.The course includes taught skills lessons to prepare for independent research.EPQ counts as half an A level and is valued by universities.Students receive support from supervisors throughout their projects.Research involves assessing the credibility of sources critically.The process encourages students to explore their passions deeply.Presentations at the end of the project build confidence and communication skills.The EPQ fosters academic resilience and critical thinking.Students often find their topics evolve as they conduct research.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

SummaryIn this episode of the Downe House podcast, the host discusses the recent Founders Weekend productions of The Addams Family and Little Women with the Director of Performing Arts, Mr. Rob Castell, and several cast members. They explore the unique challenges and experiences of performing two very different productions in the same venue, the preparation and character development involved, and the memorable moments from the performances. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity and collaboration in the performing arts, as well as the lasting impact these experiences have on students.TakeawaysThe logistical challenge of staging two productions simultaneously.The contrasting styles of The Addams Family and Little Women.Students rose to the challenge of ambitious productions.Character preparation involved accent work and costume design.The emotional depth of performances resonated with audiences.The camaraderie among cast members enhanced the experience.Directing requires balancing multiple responsibilities.Memorable moments often stem from audience reactions.The experience of performing is formative for students.Creativity in performance is valuable beyond career opportunities.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

SummaryIn this episode of the Downe House Podcast, Simon Jones explores how Downe House School supports multilingual learners, particularly those for whom English is an additional language. He is joined by Mrs Nicola South-Kline, teacher in charge of EAL (English as an Additional Language), along with two pupils, Angel and Angela, who share their personal journeys.Nicola outlines the school’s comprehensive EAL provision, including assessment, one-to-one lessons, academic writing support, and preparation for IELTS – an internationally recognised English proficiency test essential for university applications, especially in the UK and US.Angel, from Shanghai, explains how EAL support helped her gain confidence in English Literature during her GCSEs, while Angela, originally from Nigeria, discusses her use of the IELTS course to secure a place at the University of Michigan, with offers from other top US institutions as well.TakeawaysEAL support is offered to all multilingual pupils and tailored to their needs through testing, one-to-one tuition, and academic writing assistance.Pupils studying on a Tier 4 visa are prepared for the IELTS exam, which is critical for university admissions abroad.Downe House celebrates its diverse school community, with over 40 languages spoken and many cultural traditions represented.Angel credits EAL lessons with boosting her academic English, particularly for English Literature.Angela used her IELTS preparation at Downe House to secure multiple offers from prestigious US universities.The school encourages girls to immerse themselves in English, while also embracing their own cultural identities.Pastoral care plays a key role in helping international pupils settle in and thrive – emotionally, socially, and academically.Pupils are urged to seize every opportunity, from sports to new social connections, to get the most from the Downe House experience.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

SummaryWelcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we’re shining the light on our Learning Skills Department, a department which focuses on individual progress, in a way bespoke way to suit each pupil. There is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving and in our school and differences are embraced and supported. Simon Jones speaks to Miss Sophie Appleton Wyeth, SENDCO and Head of Academic Support and three pupils Zara, Polly, and Serena.Sophie explains how her team of specialist teachers provides one-to-one lessons, tailored to each pupil’s needs, whether they have a formal diagnosis or simply benefit from extra support. The department works closely with families, staff and external professionals to ensure that pupils with conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, and sensory processing difficulties receive the guidance they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.The discussion highlights the school’s commitment to inclusion, early identification, and destigmatisation of learning differences, as well as its celebration of neurodiversity through initiatives like Neurodiversity Celebration Week and a supportive, open culture among both staff and pupils.TakeawaysThe Learning Skills Department provides one-to-one support tailored to each girl’s individual learning profile, with over 100 sessions delivered each week.Pupils receive help with everything from essay structure and revision to time management and exam techniques, depending on their personal needs.The school supports pupils with a wide range of learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, visual and auditory processing difficulties, and more.Teachers within the department have specialist training and continually develop their expertise through CPD and qualifications in areas such as ADHD coaching.Neurodiverse pupils and staff are encouraged to share their experiences openly, helping to foster a culture of understanding and acceptance across the school.Pupils like Polly and Serena reflect on how learning support helped them gain clarity around their diagnoses and boosted their confidence, both in and out of the classroom.Zara, a younger pupil, shares how she uses her LS lessons to consolidate knowledge in subjects like history and RS, and talks about her love for English and reading.The Honours Reading Passport is a literacy initiative that encourages pupils like Zara to explore a wide range of genres and develop a deeper love for reading.The school builds strong relationships with parents, often identifying learning needs that may not have been recognised previously and guiding families through the assessment process.The approach at Downe House reflects a modern, inclusive understanding of learning differences: there is no one “right” way to learn, and support is seen as a strength, not a weakness.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

SummaryIn this episode of the Downe House Podcast, host Simon Jones takes a closer look at life in York House, one of the sixth form boarding houses at Downe House School, as the school prepares to welcome a new cohort of pupils in September. He is joined by Head of House Booth, along with Housemistresses Mrs Beth Mears-Smith and Mrs Stephanie Waite-Roberts, who share insights into the unique character and community of the house.The conversation explores everything from boarding routines and academic life to friendships, wellbeing, and even dogs. Jemima reflects on her seven years at Downe House, describing her leadership role, academic ambitions, and the sisterhood that defines York. The housemistresses offer their perspectives on how the house supports both existing and new pupils, the benefits of shared and individual dorms, and the importance of fostering an inclusive, nurturing environment.TakeawaysYork House is one of two sixth form boarding houses at Downe House, offering a modern, supportive, and welcoming environment for girls aged 16–18.Pupils usually enjoy single dorms, which change termly to give a fresh start and build new friendships. Some also choose to share, especially in the early stages.Booth, as Head of House, represents York at school council and ensures pupil voice is heard and acted upon.Dogs are part of the housemistresses’ families and provide comfort for those who enjoy animals. For pupils who are less keen, dogs are always supervised and kept in private areas.The boarding experience fosters deep friendships—often described as sisterhoods—especially important for those joining in the sixth form.Both house mistresses also teach English, enabling them to support pupils both pastorally and academically.The sixth form is rich in opportunities for leadership and enrichment, including events like house drama, sports, and charity initiatives.Pupils joining in the sixth form are supported with team-building activities and an induction week, making it easy to settle in and form connections.Downe House encourages diversity and individuality, welcoming pupils from a range of backgrounds and cultures to contribute to school life.Final advice from staff and Jemima: “Get stuck in, ask questions, and take full advantage of all the opportunities on offer.”LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

SummaryIn this episode, Simon Jones explores how Downe House supports pupils during exam season through wellbeing initiatives, focusing on the ever-popular “puppy therapy” sessions. He speaks with pupils Chloe and Lorna, Examinations Officer Mrs Clara Pilkington, and Curtis Henry from Paws in Work, the organisation that provides the puppies. Together, they reflect on how puppy therapy offers a joyful, calming escape from exam stress, and discuss the wider measures Downe House takes to help girls manage pressure and maintain balance during this important part of the academic year.Takeaways• Puppy therapy is a highlight of the summer term at Downe House, helping pupils to relax and recharge.• Labradoodle puppies from Paws in Work visit the school, with small groups of pupils attending 25-minute sessions.• Pupils report feeling noticeably calmer and more positive following the sessions.• Attendance is optional, with other wellbeing activities such as bedtime yoga and pamper boxes also available.• Puppies help create a sense of joy and calm, even among those less confident around animals.• The school provides consistent, familiar routines around examinations to reduce anxiety.• Staff offer pastoral support and encourage outdoor time and peer interaction to promote wellbeing.• Puppy therapy is not just enjoyable – it forms a considered part of the school’s strategy to support mental health and academic success.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn More about Downe House School. In this episode, we're discussing the importance of giving children a slower childhood and not growing up too fast. In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by Mr Andrew De Silva, Head of the Oratory Prep School, one of our feeder schools, together with Serena in Year 8 who's looking forward to joining Downe in September along with Mrs Ellie Llewellyn, our Director of Pupil Wellbeing, and pupil Vanda who's now at Downe but was once at the OPS.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn More about Downe House School. In this episode, we're highlighting exploring Europe, a new programme of discovery for our lower school which is being introduced in September 2025. The programme will be centred around four separate five day trips to different and diverse parts of Europe. Joining Simon in the podcast is Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress, Miss Kate Eaves, Assistant Head of Lower School, Mrs Jenny Grant Head of History and Politics and Mrs Charlotte Sabnis, Head of Modern Foreign Languages.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're spotlighting our Ski Team, which recently returned from four days in Flaine. Competing in the British Schoolgirls Ski Races, where competitors came back with their biggest ever haul of medals and trophies. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to two of these medal winners, pupils Jennifer and Flora, and Mrs Lamont, who led the trip.LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. With World Book Day on the horizon we're spotlighting our wonderful library. A department which engages and develops in our pupils a love for books and reading. In this episode our host Simon Jones, meets our Murray Centre Manager Miss Dani Kirby, along with pupils Phoebe in Remove, Year 7 and Charlotte in the Lower 4th or Year 8.`LinksGoodreadsThe Midnight Library​Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

 Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at Downe House. In this episode, we're looking at boarding, and how boarding at prep school can help ease the transition to boarding at senior school. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast this week is Mr. Jonny Timms, Headmaster of Walhampton Prep School in the New Forest, Mr. Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head at Downe House, Walhampton pupil Ayley in Year Eight, and two Downe House pupils in the Upper Fourth or Year Nine. LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S12:E2 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School.  In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at down house with over 180 schools who regularly send pupils to us. Girls come to us with varied experiences, but all prepared for the journey ahead with an established set of values and principles. It's our job then to build on them further. Joining us on the podcast this week is Mr. Magoo Giles, Founder and Principal of Knightsbridge School. Two Knightsbridge alumni, now well into their time at Downe House, Freya and Alice, and Ruth Kingston, Housemistress of AGS. They talk to our host, Simon Jones, and their springboard for conversation is resilience. LinksDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S12:E1 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this series, we're shining a light on our feeder schools and looking at how they prepare their girls for their future at Downe House. With over 180 schools who regularly send pupils to us, girls come to us with varied experiences, but all prepared for the journey ahead with an established set of values and principles. It's our job then to build on them further. To start us off, we're privileged to be joined by Mr. Rupert Hawkins, Head of Thomas's Battersea, two Downe House pupils, Alice and Serena, who are Battersea alumni, and Victoria Ryan, Housemistress of Willis. They talk to our host, Simon Jones, and their springboard for conversation is kindness. Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E8 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're shining the light on our youngest boarders in the school in Remove, or Year 7, who joined us in September at 11 years old. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast this week is Kim Collingwood Housemistress of Hermitage, one of our lower school boarding houses, and pupils Farah, Zoe and Annabel, representing all three lower school houses.They joined Simon to talk about their first term boarding. Downe House online  Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E7 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're discussing screens and how we manage them at school, supporting girls to develop better connections with each other and with their devices. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Miss Georgie Taylor, Head of Sixth Form, along with Astrid and Amelia in the Upper Sixth and Lena in the Lower SixthDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E6 - Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're revisiting global internships and the opportunities offered to our sixth formers to gain valuable work experience, often overseas in a variety of industries. we are privileged to be joined by one of our past parents, Ros Irving, who generously offered a week's internship with Tecora-Co, an event company at the ITW event in Washington, DC, last summer.Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Ros, along with Mrs. Mireille Cook, Global Internship Coordinator, and Charlotte and Daisy, two of the four girls who were selected to take part.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E5- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're looking at a sport which has a long and successful history at Downe House, and that is lacrosse. Often referred to as the fastest game on two feet, lacrosse continues to grow in popularity, with girls aspiring not only to represent their school, but often their country. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to Anna Neville, Downe house Alumni 2020, currently playing for England, Miss Charlotte Williams, Director of Sport, currently playing for Wales, and Cally, in the lower sixth, who recently represented Hong Kong at the Under-20s World Championships.Linkswilliamsc1@downehouse.netDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E4- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we're looking at women in leadership, and at a program that's available to our pupils in the Sixth Form to empower all girls, whatever their strengths or personality, to lead. The Learn to Lead Project is a bespoke training program using project work, team coaching, and individual mentoring to develop a whole range of skills to make our girls world ready once they leave Downe House. Our host, Simon Jones, speaks to alumni Lucia Labouchere and Natalia Spearman, who are behind the project.Linkswww.thelearntoleadproject.comlucia@thelearntoleadproject.comnatalia@thelearntoleadproject.comhandmedowne.netDowne House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E3- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode we are given a very special insight into two trips that the school recently made to Kenya, where pupils where given a unique insight into the rich culture of this very special African country and where also encouraged to give back and make a difference. Our host Simon Jones speaks to Mrs Genevieve Ford, Deputy Head Pastoral who lead the trip and Mrs Sofie McClymont, Director of Boarding who accompanied her. He is also joined by three girls who went on the trip, Joeleen, Eliza and Olivia.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net 

S11:E2- Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about Downe House School. We begin this series with two very special guests who are joining our headmistress, Emma McKendrick, to discuss the new changes we're bringing in in September 2025. To give more choice to our families, we're widening the way you can access a Downe House education, increasing our day pupil numbers and introducing flexi boarding for the first time.Downe House online Website: www.downehouse.net