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Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re discussing the Exploring Europe Programme which is now entering its second year in the curriculum. Last term, the Removes, or year 7, were lucky to culminate their year learning about Europe with a trip to Berlin. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast are Kate Eaves, Head of Lower School, Elke Von Mering-Ashton, Head of German and two pupils Izzy and Matilda. https://www.downehouse.net

The beginning of this academic year marks the start of a unique and groundbreaking partnership with Harrow School. Two schools with proud histories, distinctive identities and a shared commitment to single sex education. In this episode Simon Jones speaks to Alistair Land, Head Master of Harrow School and Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House School.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re reflecting on the recent Academic Conference we held at the school, focusing on the Bright Side of Education. Among the many topics discussed was the importance of play and joy to bring out the best in our students. Joining Simon Jones on the podcast are Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head who heads up the conference, Amanda Constance, Editor of The Week, Independent Schools Guide and Walter Kerr, Co-Founder of Oppidan Education, an innovative mentoring organisation for students.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re discussing wellbeing and its very prominent feature in all aspects of life at Downe House. In May, we hosted a wellbeing Residency in the Murray Centre and Simon Jones met with Ellie Llewellyn, Director of Pupil Wellbeing, Alex in the Lower Sixth and Belle in the Lower Fifth, to find out more.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode we're discussing the Colloquium which we recently held together with Harrow School. A select group of girls and boys from both schools researched academic questions which they presented to an audience at the Royal Society in London. Joining our host, Simon Jones, on the podcast are Miss Madeleine Killacky, Head of Scholars at Downe House, Ms Madeleine Copin, who headed the Colloquium for Harrow, Nina from Downe House and William from Harrow, both in the lower sixth.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re looking ahead to the new girls who will be joining our community in September. We’ll be discussing New Girls’ Open Day, Settling in Day and What to Pack, ahead of that first day of term. Joining Simon on the podcast are Olivia and Ottavia, newly appointed Head Ambassadors in the Lower Sixth and younger pupils, Taarini and Jodee who joined last year.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re taking to the streets of the capital, re-living the London Landmarks Half Marathon, which saw a team of 50 girls and staff from Downe House take part. The team was galvanised by Hettie, our Head Senior, in aid of Tommy’s, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. Joining Simon on the podcast are Hettie, Matt Godfrey, Deputy Head and two of the runners, Violet Rose and Olivia. Key topics: Hettie, Head Girl, shares how she organised the school’s participation and fundraising effortsInsights into the training process from Olivia and Violet Rose, including the Couch to 5K programmeThe emotional and practical experiences from race day, capturing the energy and community supportThe strategic charity choice — supporting women through Tommy’s during challenging pregnancies and birthsThe impact of such events on school community, leadership skills, and student confidenceStaff reflections on the significance of fundraising and community engagement for student developmentHow student-led initiatives like this leave lasting legacies and life skills beyond school Links: https://www.tommys.org

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on girls in sport - their participation in schools nationally, and how schools like Downe House are working hard to empower girls to embrace sport, and to remove barriers that dent confidence. In this episode, Simon Jones is joined by Director of Sport at Downe House, Katie Lauder, Steph Essex from Flyhawk, a sportswear company working closely with Downe, and two pupils Ivie and Lucie in the Lower Sixth. Links: https://www.downehouse.net https://flyhawk.com

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on women in finance - a powerful, fast-moving industry and a popular career choice for pupils once they leave Downe. Simon Jones is joined by alumna Alexandra Wyatt , who left Downe House in 2009, and is now an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan, and pupils Koyinsola and Imogen, both in the Upper Sixth.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re celebrating one of the biggest highlights of the year — our Under 15A lacrosse team being crowned National Champions! Joining Simon Jones on this episode are Sal Keogh, Coach of Under 15A Lacrosse Team and Captains, Rose, Gigi and Maddie.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on charity at Downe House and the inspiring ways our girls, alumnae, and parents are shaping communities around the world. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by alumna Winky Skevington (née Lee), co-founder of the Hummingbird Initiative; parent Rhoda Phillips, founder of Communities for Nature; and current pupil Rhea in the Upper Sixth, founder of Brighter Futures for Children. Links: https://thehummingbirdinitiative.org https://communitiesfornature.org https://www.instagram.com/brighter_f.utures?igsh=MXEycnp6dG1yMXV4dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we’re celebrating one of the biggest highlights of the year — House Music. With House spirit alive and well at Downe House, we take you behind the scenes of this much-loved annual competition, where talent, teamwork and friendly rivalry take centre stage. Joining Simon Jones on this episode are Mr Alex Leadbeater, our Director of Music and Margaret, Luli, Chloe and Charlotte from AGS – this year’s overall winners.

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we turn the spotlight on Dance at Downe House—from beginners taking their first steps to elite dancers training at the highest level. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by Mrs Olivia Cadle, Head of Extra-Curricular Performing Arts, along with dancers Hanna, Marvellous and Sage.

Welcome to the Downe House podcast, where you can learn more about life at Downe House School. In this episode, we explore how Downe House supports girls to develop Friendships for Life, through a strong sense of community and everyday experiences. From the classroom to the boarding house, lasting friendships are fostered through kindness, confidence and respect, which stay with them long after they leave the school. Joining our host, Simon Jones, are Mrs Kate Eaves, Assistant Head of the Lower School, and Mrs Anna Dourantakis, Assistant Head of the Upper School. Links: https://www.downehouse.net

Welcome to the Downe House Podcast, where we explore life and learning at Downe House School. In this episode, we turn the spotlight on our Academic Enrichment Programme — from Debating, Law and Medical Society to Art History, Coding and Psychology Clubs, there are more than 50 such societies taking place at School every week. Our host, Simon Jones, is joined by Mr Chris Gill, Head of Academic Enrichment, with pupils, Mia, Emily and Rosi. Takeaways Engineering Society provides a unique platform for learning.Teenagers are more engaged in hands-on activities.Building bridges out of simple materials fosters creativity.Community involvement enhances the learning experience.Innovative teaching methods are essential for STEM education.Interactive environments help teenagers thrive.The future of engineering education relies on engagement.Shared experiences build strong communities.STEM activities can be fun and educational.Youth engagement in engineering is crucial for future innovation. Links: https://www.downehouse.net/academic/academic-enrichment/