Deputy Head's Blog Archives - Downe House School

Deputy Head's Blog

AI: a teacher’s friend or foe?

In his latest blog, Deputy Head, Mr Matthew Godfrey, explores the impact of the sophisticated online 'help' now available to pupils in the form of artificial intelligence systems like ChatGTP.

Discover 20/01/23

Deputy Head's Blog

Maths for all until age 18? No problem, Prime Minister!

In his latest blog, Deputy Head, Mr Matthew Godfrey, explores how, contrary to the PM’s suggestion, a resurgence of the humanities is likely in the coming years, as the core skills involved in these subjects – not least independence of thought, communication and imagination – become more and more valuable in modern society.

Discover 13/01/23

Deputy Head's Blog

Wellbeing Through Philanthropy

In recent years, Downe and many other schools have placed the ‘wellbeing’ of their pupils at the heart of all they do. Our Deputy Head explores the positive impact philanthropy can have on the self-esteem and confidence of young people and why the best wellbeing programmes come from 'within'.

Discover 15/11/22

Deputy Head's Blog

Joining Downe at 16+: A Step Towards Independence

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) talks to pupils, Alice and Violet, about their reasons for choosing Downe House for Sixth Form.

Discover 23/09/22

Deputy Head's Blog

The Victory Of Kindness Over Cruelty: Anne Frank’s Legacy

Mr Godfrey led an assembly at the start of this term about Anne Frank and why her legacy demonstrates the victory of kindness over cruelty.

Discover 14/09/22

Deputy Head's Blog

Building Closer Links Between Downe House and Radley College

Downe House and Radley College have enjoyed close relations for a long time. Recently, the pupils and staff at both schools have been collaborating on academic, co-curricular and social activities as part of a coherent strategy, which has led to a number of exciting student-driven collaborations.

Discover 10/09/22

Deputy Head's Blog

An exciting and positive future for our young women

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) explains why an all-girls school like Downe House is highly effective at preparing young women for our brave new world.

Discover 07/06/22

Deputy Head's Blog

Tough Love

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) reflects on his link with one of the UK’s most inspiring state schools, which he is proud to support as a Governor.

Discover 25/05/22

Deputy Head's Blog

Lighting the Fire – Maximising pupils’ motivation to learn

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) talks to Downe House teachers about some of the strategies they adopt to sustain high levels of motivation in their lessons.

Discover 29/04/22

Deputy Head's Blog

How to Revise Effectively – In the words of our own pupils

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) talks to pupils who are facing GCSE and A Level exams this summer about effective revision strategies - they have some top tips for fellow pupils and even a one or two for parents too!

Discover 25/03/22

Deputy Head's Blog

The Chapel is a calm oasis in a our busy school

An Oasis of Calm within our Busy School

In this blog, Mr Godfrey (Deputy Head) considers spirituality and the place of Chapel at Downe House. The School’s academic record speaks for itself, but are the girls encouraged to step beyond day-to-day, temporal and material concerns and ask questions of a spiritual and philosophical nature?

Discover 24/02/22

Deputy Head's Blog

Girls wearing the Djibbah uniform in the Cloisters

A Rich and Varied History

As we approach the 100th anniversary of Downe House’s arrival in Cold Ash, our archivist is keener than ever to share stories from the School’s past; from the eccentric 'Giant's Stride' and iconic djibbahs, to the enigmatic and mysterious Miss Nickel.

Discover 04/02/22

Deputy Head’s Blog