Downe House
- web site: www.downehouse.co.uk
- telephone: +44 (0)1635 200286
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On Thursday 2nd November, thirty two sleepy LV assembled at 6.00am in front of the school for their trip to Normandy by coach and ferry accompanied by Madame Redoutet, Madame Westacott, Miss Williamson & Mrs Nash.
Most of the first day was taken up with travelling but the subsequent days were packed with exciting excursions.
On Friday, 3 rd November, the girls had great fun making their own organic bread at the ‘Co-pains Boulangerie'. In the afternoon they were treated to a visit to a Cidrerie where they learned how the apples were pressed and made into apple juice, cider or calvados. They were then allowed to taste the apple juice and some delicious home-made gingerbread. In the evening they had even more treats for their taste-buds with a ‘D égustation' at the centre where we were staying with all sorts of regional delicacies like cheeses, sausage, crab, oysters, winkles & whelks.
On the Saturday, 4 th November, we had an historical day with some very interesting talks by Miss Williamson. We started the day at the market in Bayeux giving the girls the chance to try out their French on the local stallholders. Then we went to see the Bayeux Tapestry and many of the girls even opted to listen to the commentary in French – very impressive!
After lunch we visited the British cemetery just outside Bayeux and some girls were able to find the graves of their relatives who were listed in the register. After the cemetery we visited the museum (and the 360 degree cinema) at Arromanches where the building of the Mulberry Harbour was explained and the girls were suitably subdued and reflective about the Second World War and all its horrors. They were then given the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves at a disco in the evening at the centre.
On Sunday, 5 th November, we had a lovely visit to the Mont Saint Michel. We had lunch at a Crêperie and met up with last year's French Assistant, Carole, before visiting the Abbey, its ramparts and the tourist shops! On the way back to the centre we went bowling and then back for our meal, birthday cake for Alice Jack and packing!
It was a great trip. The girls were well-behaved and appreciative and the staff came back tired but happy.
Vanessa Westacott
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>