The First
and Second Form (Years 7 and 8) pupils are taught by specialist subject teachers in the Senior School and use all the Senior School academic facilities. Downside prepares the boys and girls for the Common Entrance and Scholarship Examinations taken at the end of the Second Form at age 13. Lessons last for thirty-five minutes and the curriculum includes:
Art
French
Music
Biology
Geography
Physics
Chemistry
History
Physical
Education
Design
Latin
Religious
Studies
English
Mathematics
Pupils are set half an hour’s Prep (homework) in two subjects every weekday evening. Prep is done in individual classrooms between 4.30 pm and 5.45 pm. Day pupils may join boarders for Prep if they wish.
Parents expect children to achieve their academic potential. At Downside our aim is that every pupil should achieve more than was originally anticipated. In order for this to happen, the highest levels of motivation are expected. Systems are in place to ensure that both pupils and staff perform to their utmost. In terms of the pupils, this involves the following:
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regular internal monitoring by House and teaching staff
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weekly meetings with the Tutor and/or House Master/Mistress
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regular academic summary reports to parents (achievement, effort and target grades plus comments by the Tutor and House Master/Mistress);
•
detailed end-of-term reports to parents (including full subject reports);
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monthly academic staff meetings to discuss pupils’ progress;
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a system of merit and distinction awards for high quality work.
