Sixth Form
I firmly believe that the start of the Sixth Form is one of the most exciting points in your education; it is the first time that it is you who decides what you are going to study, the first time that you really have control of what you are doing.
As you embark on your Sixth Form studies, you will also notice a shift in the teacher-pupil relationship, with lessons being much more of a collaborative effort between teachers and pupils, where your voice counts that much more. With these changes come greater responsibilities, of course, particularly in terms of developing your independence where study is concerned; you have to learn to manage your time and work effectively and to seek out opportunities to deepen and broaden your academic knowledge and skills. You are, of course, fully supported in developing the skills you 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 you develop learning habits that will be essential both in the Sixth Form and in Higher Education. You will also be assigned to one of a team of specialist and experienced Sixth Form tutors who will help you avoid the potential pitfalls that come with greater independence and who will also, in conjunction with the Head of Careers and myself, provide guidance and advice in choosing, and preparing for, the next stage of your education.
Outside the academic curriculum, there are many opportunities afforded to you at Downside to develop your interests and transferable skills. The PSHEE programme is focused on your life after leaving school, with modules on topics ranging from the aforementioned study skills to making pastry, to conflict avoidance, to managing your finances; the content of this programme is under constant review, and feedback from pupils is always welcome – it is, after all, your programme.
The School Council is an ideal way to have your 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 you to help shape the School for you and for the future.
Sixth Form Subject Choices
| Art | Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (BTEC) | Music |
| Biology | Environmental Science | Physics |
| Business | Geography | Politics |
| Chemistry | History | Psychology |
| Classical Civilisation | Information Technology (BTEC) | Religious Studies |
| Design Technology – Product Design | Latin | Sport (BTEC) |
| Drama & Theatre | Mathematics | |
| Economics | Further Mathematics | |
| English Literature | Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish) |
I very much look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form at Downside.
PAUL RIGBY
Head of Sixth Form
THE HORIZONS PROGRAMME
Building on the academic excellence of the Downside Sixth Form and the success of Sixth Form PSHEE programme, we are excited to announce the launch of the Sixth Form Horizons Programme. The new programme recognises the fact that central to education and personal development is independence, and never is that more important than in the Sixth Form years. ‘Horizons’ is built on five branches, each of which is focussed on personal development in a specific area and allows students to build a bespoke programme tailored to their own needs and aspirations, helping them navigate the journey from pupil to student to independent adult.
Horizons will run on a Saturday morning, allowing students that much more flexibility with opportunities for seeking work experience or scheduling a driving lesson, for example, without impacting academic lessons. Students will still be able, indeed be expected, to contribute fully to the Saturday sports programme. The new structure of the Sixth Form timetable, with lessons that previously took place on a Saturday now scheduled during the week, makes the Sixth Form experience quite distinct from other year groups, and also protects academic teaching time from erosion due to holidays.
The 5 branches are as follows:
- Academic Excellence and Independent Learning: equipping Sixth Form students with the academic rigour, independent learning skills, and future-ready pathways to excel at university, in apprenticeships, and beyond.
- Creative Expression and Inquiry: fostering creative excellence and intellectual curiosity.
- Life Skills: developing the skills and confidence needed for independent living.
- Whole Self Development: building strength, confidence, and resilience; laying the foundation for a healthy, successful future.
- Service, Leadership and the World of Work: inspiring Sixth Form students to lead with purpose, compassion and integrity, while gaining real-world experience and preparing for future careers.
The Horizons programme complements and enhances the opportunities already afforded to Sixth Form students at Downside, in a blend of seminars, practical workshops and independent work.
As with the vibrant Sixth Form PSHEE programme, Horizons will be dictated by the needs and wishes of the Sixth Form students themselves, whose voice is key to a successful Sixth Form experience, but below are examples of the types of module that may be part of the programme.
| Academic Excellence and Independent Learning | Creative Expression and Inquiry | Life Skills | Whole Self Development | Service, Leadership and the World of Work |
| Extended Project Qualification | Drama workshops
|
Cookery | Athletic development programme | Interview technique |
| UCAS personal statement writing | Instrumental performance
|
Driving lessons | Stress management | Charitable service |
| Prize essay competition
|
Fine arts | First Aid course | Food and nutrition | Academic mentoring |
| Study skills workshops
|
Product design and manufacture | Public speaking | Classroom assistant | |
| Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) for medics | Finance and budgeting |
The New Sixth Form Centre: A Space for Growth and Independence
In December 2024, Bishop Bosco MacDonald officially opened Downside School’s state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre. This exceptional new facility has significantly enhanced the lives of our Sixth Form students, providing them with countless opportunities to grow both academically and personally, while fostering greater independence.
The centre’s light-filled, modern design offers a welcoming and inspiring environment, perfect for studying, relaxing, and socialising. With beautiful views of the peaceful gardens, pupils can enjoy a space that not only supports their academic pursuits but also allows them to unwind and connect with one another. A full-size snooker table adds to the charm, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and friendly competition.
At Downside, we take great pride in watching our Sixth Form students evolve into young adults who take on increasing responsibility for their own growth and well-being. As staff, it is a privilege to engage with them in this transformative stage of their lives, where they learn to lead, collaborate, and set an example for the younger pupils. The Sixth Form Centre is integral in nurturing these relationships, helping our pupils form a strong, supportive community that will continue to enrich Downside long after they have left.
We are incredibly grateful to Matt Podesta (S86), who undertook the commission to design and create the stunning furniture for the centre. Each piece has been carefully crafted with an aesthetic that honours Downside’s rich history while meeting the needs of today’s Sixth Form pupils. The furniture is not just functional but also a testament to the thought and care that went into designing a space that perfectly blends tradition with modernity.
Do take time to watch this new film showcasing life and personal insights into Sixth Form here at Downside.
Sixth Form pupils were recently interviewed about their experience of life at Downside which includes their views on faith, A levels, staff, co-curricular commitments, boarding life, being a day pupil, their favourite meals, sporting opportunities, what inspires them, what they will miss, and what three words they would choose to describe Downside.
