Downe House
- web site: www.downehouse.co.uk
- telephone: +44 (0)1635 200286
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We began our journey to Iceland , shortly after some of the UV had finished their Physics GCSE, a number of hours later, we arrived in Keflavik where we were met by Magnus our trusty bus driver, who would later get us out of many sticky situations. But perhaps most importantly Ulfur our guide for the week, whose knowledge seemed to be boundless. We were soon whizzed off to the Blue Lagoon, a hot silica pool, where we experienced our first taste and smell of Iceland, along with the sulphur, and moon-like landscape. Back on the bus, with a short stop at some bubbling sulphur pool, after a journey which was a little longer and bumpier than expected we arrived at Selfoss, where would be staying for the week, soon to be renamed ‘Hutch's', on discovery of the net curtain we were shocked to find that Iceland didn't experience any sunset during our stay.
We saw some coastal cliffs and an arch too at Dyrholaey, which apparently some dare devil flyers had flown through. The highlight of our day however was the ‘Snow groomer' that we took onto the glacier, on top of a volcano! After a slightly festive experience on top of the glacier, we turned a corner to find a band of husky dogs. With a good bye to the Huskies and their owner, we soon found ourselves sledging too, along with Mr Barnes and Ms Tye getting rather in on the activities.
Throughout the trip we came into contact with many waterfalls, and were even able to walk behind one. The walks to the waterfalls, were often long and tiring, however the end view was worth the trek. Perhaps the most beautiful was stumbled upon, when walking down a gorge after our bus broken down, having had a bumpy ride across many fjords.
Not only did our bus have problems crossing rivers, but we too had many hairy experiences, crossing rivers, especially with overflowing wellies resulting in soggy socks. All in the name of a great trip.
Perhaps the most amazing venture of our trip included an amphibious vehicle. We motored through the Iceberg lagoon containing huge icebergs, of many shapes sizes and colours, some of which were over 1,000 years old – and which we were able to taste! We were lucky enough to see a seal perched on a floating ice berg, which was a new experience for most of the group.
Our final few hours were spent whale watching off the coast of Iceland, where we spotted many creatures along with the standard black back and minke whale as well as dolphins and hundreds of puffins. Thank goodness for the warm suits that were provided as a few of us may have got slightly chilly otherwise. After a very exciting week, in which we were able to learn about lots of geographical features especially volcanoes and glaciers, to name just a few. We were sad to be leaving Iceland along with Magnus and Ulfur, who we had become quite attached to.
Natasha Butcher, Emily Pullan and Harriet Palmer
Dan Cruikshank - 'Adventures in Architecture'
Dan is a leading expert on architecture and historic buildings and a regular presenter on the BBC. He is best known for his popular series Britain's Best Buildings and Around The World in 80 Treasures; and for his appearances in Under Fire and What The Industrial Revolution Did For Us. Dan's latest series, Adventures in Architecture has recently screened on BBC 2.
Pupils from Downe House have walked the 300km (200 miles) from Downe House to Salcombe in Devon to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK's vital research. The girls arrived wet and tired, but triumphant, after a gruelling 16 day march which took them acorss fields, rivers and along the coastal path.
The competition is open to all students in Year 12 and essay titles are set by Corpus Christi. Poppy will be attending the Prize Giving on 3 July.
Annie entered her design for her AS Level Product Design Resistant Materials coursework and has been selected as one of the 20 finalists. She will take her project and portfolio to the Finals, which will be held at Dulwich College in London on 20 June 2008.
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Performances at 11am and 6pm at 'The Dell', the outdoor performance space in the RSC Centenary Gardens, bordered by the river and Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Bring a picnic, all welcome!
2nd - 4th May in the Performing Arts Centre
‘Times' writer Mary Ann Sieghart gives Summer Term Medley Lecture
Newbury's MP, Richard Benyon, visited Downe House on 25th April speak to thePolitics Society about his work in the House of Commons and the constituency.
Congratulations to Emma Powell (U5) who was selected for NYT's highly acclaimed acting course.
On Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th March, Downe House hosted a charity fashion show. The events were organised by Rosie Fortescue, Georgiana Haig and Celia Thursfield, in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, raising a total of just over £5,500.
Gillian Clarke, renowned poet, who has written poetry and prose for children and adults, visited Downe House on Sunday, 16 March. Her poetry reading began with her first publsihed poem 'The Sundial' and the audience were immediately impressed by her passionate and erudite ideas......
Diane Louise Jordan, businesswoman and one of the most popular presenters of BBC One's Songs of Praise, gave a talk and answered questions about how her faith influences the way she conducts her own business life and on matters relating to business ethics and corporate social responsibility more generally.
If you missed House Drama, or would like to see your daughter's performance again, a professional Double DVD recording by Kingsbridge AV Limited of all five productions will be available to order at a cost of £22.50 each.
Click here to find out how to order
This Trust was established in November 2006 as part of the agreed resolution of the OFT's recent investigation.
The objects of the Trust are to:
There are three criteria for eligibility:
For further details go to <Joining Downe> and click on <Scholarships>