WORLD READY PROGRAMME
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“Downe House is where you are for seven years, and who you are for the rest of your life. It is essential to prepare our students proactively for the wider world of which they will be a part. The path to success will require many skills and personal attributes including compassion, creativity, the ability to work hard and lead, but also to work collaboratively and with resilience.” — Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress
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INTRODUCING THE
WORLD READY PROGRAMME From the moment a girl joins Downe House, she will embark on the World Ready Programme, a structured framework of opportunities, activities and support designed to take her on an individual journey to nurture her personal development and equip her with the life skills and knowledge to embrace real world opportunities with confidence and humility. The World Ready Programme is based on the seven key characteristics embedded in the Downe House DNA which are the hope, aim and challenge for every girl whether she is in the classroom, on the sports fields, volunteering in the community 4 // World Ready Programme
or enjoying time with her friends in the boarding house. These key characteristics are Collaboration, Resilience, Creativity, Aspiration, Compassion, Communication and being Outward Looking and the World Ready Programme layers them all in an abundance of assemblies, tutorials, workshops, lectures, courses, mentoring, House activities, clubs and societies, specialist training, expert speakers and events throughout every aspect of School life. In tandem with our 3-Step Pastoral Care, the World Ready Programme provides age and stage appropriate activities and a tangible sense of
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progression through the three distinct stages of Lower School, Upper School and Sixth Form. Each girl is responsible for recording her achievements and activities in the Unifrog app, which is verified by her tutor and Housestaff. By the time she leaves the School, her online profile will represent a comprehensive self-evaluation of everything she has achieved and experienced on her personal development journey which is certain to inform and enrich higher education or job applications as well as her own sense of self-worth.
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“As you progress through the school, little by little every girl is encouraged to take on more responsibility and leadership roles. These can be big or small, whether that be captain of the lacrosse team, head of a student-led society or hosting a talk, slowly you build more and more confidence without even realising. Whether you are the loud confident one, or potentially more reserved, Downe caters for all. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging, constantly challenging you to not only do what you love but do it with conviction and passion.” Lucy, Lower Sixth
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WORLD AWARE For many of the girls joining Lower School, it is their first time away from home in a boarding school environment and a leap to secondary education with new subjects, timetables and specialist teachers; it is a time of transition and an opportunity to develop awareness of themselves, their community and the world around them. At this stage, the Programme focuses on the development of four specific DNA characteristics: Compassion, Collaboration, Resilience and Creativity. From the Gift of Service in which every girl is encouraged to give back to her community in some way, public speaking competitions, cookery workshops and outdoor adventures
to an immersive term in France or a sponsored yogathon, girls develop a sense of adventure and build self-esteem as well as confidence in their own abilities. • Exploring cultures and cultural festivals • An immersive term in France • The gift of kindness, volunteering or fundraising • Investigating global issues and current affairs • Debating with Tutors to stretch and challenge • Leadership roles and responsibilities • The Wakefield Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold • Leading and enjoying in-House activities • Becoming a Downe House Eco-warrior World Ready Programme // 7
WORLD EXPLORE In the Upper School, girls pursue their emerging aptitudes and interests, whatever they might be, and are challenged and extended in every direction. The emphasis is on exploring their interests and passions, with the flexibility and support needed to choose, and to change, their own journey and direction of travel. A host of initiatives are designed to extend learning beyond the curriculum including the supercurricular Elective Programme, Maths and Biology Olympiads and the Foote Essay prize - it’s cool to be clever at Downe House.
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In the Upper School, your daughter will have the opportunity to explore other cultures and perhaps spend time at one of our Global Exchange partner schools. Alongside that run positions of responsibility, public speaking events, volunteering and fundraising as well as joining in with music ensembles, choirs, sports teams, dance and drama productions and Inter-House competitions. • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award • Visiting a Global Exchange school • Super-curricular Elective Programme • Day of Discovery: Exploring possible futures • Learning for Life, personal development and wellbeing • Developing enhanced study skills: • AS Tracking, Girls on Board and Elevate Education • Becoming an Eco-warrior or E-Champion • The Phoenix Society, debating and public speaking
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WORLD READY By the time the girls enter the Sixth Form, the focus turns to preparing them to take full advantage of the next stage of their education, the world of work and to empower them to take their place as global citizens. The DH LINKS initiative introduces the global network of Downe House alumnae who offer mentoring and work placements, and the Higher Education department organises a supported pathway to guide and support their UCAS applications with specialised support for Oxbridge, Medicine and overseas applications. Girls are encouraged to take on leadership positions which involve mentoring, publishing in-house arts and science journals and helping to organise events for younger girls. The Sixth Form lecture programme offers the opportunity to engage with topical issues and the latest thinking from speakers who are experts in their fields.
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It is the final stage in making sure our girls are ready in every way possible for the world beyond Downe House. • The Mini MBA or Ivy House Leadership Award • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award • Leading the School, Seniors’ responsibilities • Global internships and work mentors • Finding Balance wellbeing programme • Joining or forming clubs and societies • Microsoft Office Specialist certification • Caledonian Society reeling • DH LINKS alumnae networking and UniMentors • CV writing and interview skills workshops
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Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ T: 01635 200286 E: registrar@downehouse.net www.downehouse.net Downe House School @DowneHouse @downe_house