THE DOWNS SCHOOL in Berkshire, Newbury

Education Centre Information: The Downs School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: West Berkshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1163
Number of boys: 588
Number of girls: 575
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The Downs School serves the Berkshire Downs and beyond. It opened in 1960 with a small intake. In the late 1970s it became comprehensive and expanded to house approximately 500 pupils by the 1980s. In 1992 the school opted to become grant-maintained, and has had foundation status since September 1999. In the 1990s the school expanded to its present size roll of 880. In 1998 new buildings opened including a sixth-form centre and a performing arts building, opened by HRH The Princess Royal. The main school building is used for the teaching of English and religious education; the assembly hall, dining room, library with multimedia facilities and offices are also located here; the performing arts centre was opened in 1998 and provides teaching spaces for music, rooms for instrumental practice and accommodation for peripatetic teachers. On the upper floor is the drama studio with dedicated stage lighting and sound equipment. The sixth-form centre is used exclusively by sixth-form students and comprises a large common room, study area with information technology facilities and classrooms for advanced level teaching. The school has extensive playing fields and a swimming pool. The school's recently-acquired specialist college status in modern foreign languages enables all its pupils to study at least one language and provides opportunities to learn other languages. Pupils are offered an interesting, challenging and lively curriculum, which encourages them to reach their academic potential. The school is renowned for its music and drama. School teams have achieved great success in many team games over the years. A large number of trips are also organised to enhance the curriculum. Specialist language college status. Over-subscribed, with two applications per place. Beacon status (2000); Artsmark (2003); Sportsmark (2002); Investor in People status (2000). Ethos: 'The school provides a caring community and a stimulating learning environment. It aims to develop in young people the capacity to live as independent, self-motivated adults and the ability to function as successful and contributing members of society. ' .