Sixth Form
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.
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.
RICHARD RAWLINS
Head of Sixth Form
