Downe House
Downe House
Name: Olivia
Secondary school: Downe House, 7 years
University destination: University of Warwick, Film Studies & English Literature
- What is your first memory starting your school?
I suppose being dropped off at my boarding house (most likely in tears – I was incredibly homesick at first) was the first thing that happened, but in terms of the first day of school I remember being in an induction day for the whole thing doing all sorts of trust exercises.
- What is your best memory from your school?
We did a 6th form production of Mamma Mia that was a total car crash but that’s what made it so brilliant.
- What is one thing you would like to change about your school?
I would have liked to have left with more awareness of the world around me; the school is a bit of a bubble which is lovely in some ways but after 7 years there it felt quite suffocating.
- Any fancy traditions?
Not really to be honest, just silly ones among the students I’d say.
- How was the academic support?
It’s a very small school so I always found the academic support was there for anyone who needed it. I’m dyslexic and the school was great in organising the tests I needed to get extra time in exams.
- Is your school a religious school?
A little bit. There is chapel on a Sunday if you’re in school. Other than that, you have it on a Tuesday or Thursday morning for about 20 minutes. The Chaplain was very much a part of the school though.
- What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?
Drama. We had a great drama department and really lovely theatre with studios.
- How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?
There were always talks on Oxbridge applications that were available to anyone who wanted to apply once we were in 6th form.
- Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?
No.
- Did you ever have a detention at your school?
More times than I care to admit, or that my parents will ever know.
- What are the pastoral support options?
I’m sure there are more options now than there were when I was there, but generally you were expected to go to your boarding House Mistress/ Master and you had tutors too that you often had a closer relationship with, especially in 6th form.
- Bonus: If your school were represented as a song, what song would it be and why?
A Christmas song maybe – mostly because our school uniform made us look like Christmas trees!
- Preparation is key. Start thinking about the exams at least 12 months in advice.
- Complete practice papers to get in the mindset for the true assessment.
- Consider reading and writing exercises. A good comprehension of the English language is vital for the final assessment.
- Look into publications for your target school. These provide insight into the type of school it is, and may also provide useful insights for the exam.
- Lean on your tutor for support. Athena only works with the most accomplished tutors with adaptable teaching styles to help with 13 plus assessment revision and planning.