Introduction from the Head

June 2022

Dear Parents

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all and to give you an outline of the ethos and culture of Downside as an introduction to this handbook.

Downside ’ s foundations are firmly rooted in Christian values, specifically Catholic and Benedictine values. They are the basis for our school, which provides support and challenge in equal measure for our pupils.

We aim to work in partnership with families and to provide an environment which nurtures young people of integrity, who can think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs so as to make a positive difference in the world. The strength and confidence, which both pupils and staff draw from belonging to a community, which has a firm Christian foundation and such a clear sense of shared purpose, encourages them to strive to achieve their potential and to support others to do the same, but, importantly, without letting their achievements define them or become the source of their self-worth.

Of course, we celebrate when our pupils get great results and achieve success beyond Downside but most of all we want them to value themselves and others for who they are, not for what they have acquired or achieved. We view those achievements as the by-product of the values and work ethic we encourage as opposed to the singular aim. Resilience is the quality we most want for our pupils as they move through Downside and on into the world outside. We want them to be open to and embrace growth and change, to have the confidence to take on a challenge and do their best. Resilience is nurtured in individuals who are part of a community in which kindness and looking to the needs of others is the currency. At Downside, we strive to be just such a community.

We hope that this handbook will prove a useful reference guide as you and your family prepare for the beginning of next term. It is intended to give a sense of what day-to-day life at Downside is like and details the policies and procedures of the School.

Best wishes

ANDREW HOBBS Head