Downe House at your school

We regularly send staff out to deliver workshops at our feeder schools, individually tailored to each school’s needs.

Explore

Workshops and bespoke programmes

From Dance and Drama to Science and Music, our specialist teachers enjoy delivering creative and dynamic workshops for any age group. We also offer a series of enrichment sessions for leavers’ programmes in Year 8 with a more academic extension slant. These introduce pupils to our super-curricular Elective programme, which runs alongside our core curriculum at Downe House.

Our expert staff are keen to visit schools to deliver these workshops and to adjudicate competitions, umpire sports matches and preach in Chapel. If you are interested in our programme of workshops or would like us to design a session specifically for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Experience Downe House at your school

Our staff will happily visit your school and work with pupils and staff on a range of topics including (but not limited!) to the workshops below.

An Introduction to Chinese

Modern Foreign Languages

Spoken by over 1 billion people, Mandarin Chinese is one of the most common languages
on the planet. This workshop will introduce you to both the spoken and written forms
of the Chinese language as well as giving you an insight into what makes China such a
fascinating country and unique country.

Build your own Roman Villa

Classics

In this workshop, we will learn about Roman houses and look at some of the items found
in them to help us build a picture of Roman life. You will study some recreations of ancient
houses from Pompeii, and then you will have chance to design your own 3D Roman villa.

Peril in Pompeii!

Classics

In this workshop, we will explore what the citizens of Pompeii experienced before, during
and after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, and examine some of the artefacts left behind
when the town was buried under volcanic ash, to piece together a picture of Roman life
2,000 years ago!

Which Way Will the Woodlice Wander?

Science

Learn about experimental design and invertebrate behaviour using choice chambers and
woodlice with our specialist science staff. Workshops available in March and April only,
according to woodlice availability!

Musical Theatre workshops

Drama and Musical Theatre

Explore the story and characters from the wonderful world of Mary Poppins or The Lion
King through a challenging and interactive drama workshop. During this session children
will be put through their paces as they learn to sing and dance their way through the
numbers from either of these popular musicals.

Get Active

Lacrosse, Netball, Hockey and Tennis

Our specialist coaches are able to deliver bespoke sessions to your pupils, according to
your need. Whether it is a workshop led by our Head of Tennis Josh Goodall, former Davis
Cup and Wimbledon player or one of our international level lacrosse or specialist netball
and hockey coaches, we can adapt our sessions to whatever suits you. Our sports staff
are also willing to umpire matches to give you more time to concentrate on coaching your
teams.

Hockey Goalkeeping Workshop

Hockey specialism

Goalkeeping is often a forgotten position when it comes to coaching, so this workshop
offers pupils the opportunity to develop their individual technical skills as well as giving
them drills to take away and work on in those quiet moments of a training session. Grace is
a current national league goalkeeper and former U21 England player so is able to cater for
all ages and abilities in this session.

Poetry Workshop

English

What do you want to be when you grow up? Explore the wishes of Matilda, from Roald
Dahl’s classic novel, in Tim Minchin’s poem and write your own future requests using an
array of different poetic devices.

Specifically designed for your Year 8 leavers’ programme

We offer a range of bespoke academic workshops based on our super-curricular Elective Programme.

Our workshops open up new and exciting avenues of study, challenging participants and pushing them beyond the confines of the curriculum. The workshops include:
• An introduction to Film Studies
• An exploration of the history of the book
• An interdisciplinary investigation into the causes and consequences of the Reformation.

To arrange an Elective Experience as part of your Year 8 leavers’ programme please email reevet@downehouse.net or call 01635 204698.

Find out more about our Elective Experience.

DISCOVER

“Before this morning I knew absolutely nothing about film but now I can analyse it… I most enjoyed looking at cinematography and all of the different camera angles.”

Class 8AB, Cheam School

“You delivered fantastic sessions and the girls loved every minute. Our Games staff were also very impressed and picked up lots of tips and techniques too!”

Swanbourne House School

“We enjoyed meeting your team and our middle daughter thoroughly enjoyed the Den Building experience.”

Parent, Packwood Haugh School

“The girls gained a lot from it and really enjoyed the skills of cricket in such a fun environment. We really appreciate your fun and enthusiastic approach to learning.”

Hill House School

“We want to say a huge thank you to all staff and students for Saturday. The girls had an amazing time and loved the whole experience.”

PE Department at Knightsbridge School

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about how we can work with your school, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact

Tours & Open Mornings

The best way to find out more about Downe House is to experience it for yourself. Book a personal tour or join us at one of our Open Mornings, available throughout the year.

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