Deputy Head’s Blog

A series of occasional blog posts from our Deputy Head, Mr Matthew Godfrey, exploring life and learning at Downe House.

Deputy Head’s Blog

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

Taking Charge of Your Learning

In his latest blog, our Deputy Head, Mr Godfrey, discusses the path to independent learning with Downe House girls and teachers

Discover 14/01/22
Deputy Head's Blog

Rising to the Challenge: Mr Matthew Godfrey

"I gathered a group of Sixth Form girls in my office last Monday and grilled them about their experience of my own subject, English. The most important and emphatic message from the girls was how much they valued passion and enthusiasm from their teachers."

Discover 19/11/21
Deputy Head's Blog
Two 12 year olds sat on a bench with teddies in boarding house

Precious Cargo: Mr Matthew Godfrey

One of the most enjoyable and helpful things I did during my first half term at Downe House was to spend an evening in each of the boarding houses. I received a wonderful welcome in all of them.

Discover 05/11/21
Deputy Head's Blog
Downe House girls sit and chat in common room

Moving on to Downe House: Mr Matt Godfrey

No organisation that is complacent or which stagnates can flourish. Downe House’s global outlook, its focus on technology and its general lack of stuffiness are all examples of how it refuses to stand still.

Discover 15/10/21

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.

Discover