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

1. Engineering Society provides a unique platform for learning.
2. Teenagers are more engaged in hands-on activities.
3. Building bridges out of simple materials fosters creativity.
4. Community involvement enhances the learning experience.
5. Innovative teaching methods are essential for STEM education.
6. Interactive environments help teenagers thrive.
7. The future of engineering education relies on engagement.
8. Shared experiences build strong communities.
9. STEM activities can be fun and educational.
10. Youth engagement in engineering is crucial for future innovation.

Links:

https://www.downehouse.net/academic/academic-enrichment/

Welcome to the Downe House podcast where you can learn more about Downe House School. In this episode, we’re exploring Tennis at Downe House – a highly popular sport which our girls play all year round. From absolute beginners to our top elite players, our team of coaches provide coaching to around two thirds of the girls at School. Our host, Simon Jones meets our Head of Racquet Sports and former professional tennis player, Mr Josh Goodall with pupils Cindy and India in the Upper Sixth.

In this episode, we’re joined by Theo Clarke, distinguished alumna, former MP for Stafford, and one of our Downe House alumnae of the year for 2025. Theo made history by chairing the first parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma and founding the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Birth Trauma. She’s also served in government across Education, Business, Trade and the Treasury. Theo joins Miss Sarah Barnard, our Director of Futures and Teacher of History and Politics to discuss her time at Downe House and the significant part it played in her journey so far. They're also joined by Tabatha in Upper Sixth who studies Politics A level.

Links:

For anyone wanting to find out more about Theo Clark and her work on women’s health, please do subscribe to her Substack here:

https://theodoraclarke.substack.com/s/breaking-the-taboo

In this episode of the podcast, host Simon Jones explores the Academic Scholars Programme at Downe House, featuring insights from three students and the Head of Scholars. The discussion covers the programme's structure, the importance of curiosity in academic pursuits, and the interdisciplinary nature of the scholars' projects. The students share their personal experiences, highlighting how the programme enhances their learning and prepares them for future academic challenges.

Takeaways

• The Academic Scholars Programme supports academically ambitious girls.
• Students engage in various activities beyond regular learning.
• Curiosity drives the scholars to explore topics deeply.
• Interdisciplinary projects encourage innovative thinking.
• The programme fosters leadership skills among older students.
• Students enjoy the balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
• Ethical discussions are integral to the scholars' projects.
• Support from teachers enhances students' academic journeys.
• The Train of Thought magazine showcases students' research.
• The programme prepares students for future academic challenges.

In this episode of the podcast Simon discusses the experiences of day girls at Downe House with the Head of Day Girls, Hannah Pilgrim, and three pupils. They explore the daily life of day girls, the support they receive, and the opportunities available to them, emphasising the community aspect and the seamless integration with boarders.

Takeaways

• Hannah Pilgrim oversees all day girls and ensures their needs are met.
• Day girls have access to the same opportunities as boarders.
• The school environment fosters a strong sense of community among students.
• Day girls can participate in evening activities and sports.
• Flexibility is a key reason families choose day schooling.
• Students appreciate the ability to go home and recharge.
• The school offers a range of extracurricular activities.
• Parents value the immersive education provided at Downe House.
• There is a strong integration between day girls and boarders.
• The new flexi boarding option provides additional flexibility for families.

In this episode Head Senior Hettie and Deputy Head Senior Rose discuss their roles, the importance of integration among students, and the exciting game of assassins designed to foster community. They share insights on leadership, the significance of pupil voice, and their experiences joining the school. The conversation highlights the vibrant community at Downe House and the opportunities available for students to engage in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The game of assassins promotes integration among students.
• Integration is essential to foster a close-knit community.
• Leadership roles help students learn responsibility and organization.
• Pupil voice is encouraged from a young age at school.
• Extracurricular activities are abundant and student-led.
• Joining Downe House provides a supportive environment for new students.
• The community at Downe House is unique and welcoming.
• Students have the opportunity to pursue their passions.
• Hetty and Rose are both applying to prestigious universities.
• The excitement of the assassins game brings the school together.