Facilities

• 15 classrooms
• Computer/music room
• Library/French room
• Gym/Assembly Hall
• Canteen/ Hall with Stage
• 40 acres of playing fields
• 11 tennis courts
• 6 netball courts
• 2 hockey pitches
• 1 basketball court
• 1 football pitch
• 2 cricket squares
• 6 rugby pitches

Ethos
The School and staff regard the support and contribution of parents as key elements in its success in educating their children in a happy atmosphere to be emotionally well adjusted and self-confident people. We value the home-school partnership by which the pupils are encouraged through an atmosphere of mutual respect to develop high levels of motivation, perseverance and self-discipline.

Curriculum
The School's aim is to help all the pupils to reach the highest academic standards of which they are capable. The pupils experience a broad and balanced educational programme which places particular emphasis on the development of essential skills in English and Mathematics. As they mature, the children are encouraged to develop a disciplined and increasingly independent approach to their work which will stand them in good stead in their future studies. The requirements of the Revised Curriculum 2008 will be implemented in due course with regard to the school's overall aim. Subjects offered are:

• English
• Maths
• History
• Geography
• Science & Technology
• IT
• Art & Design
• *Music (P1-7)
• *PE (P1-7)
• *Games (P4-7)
• *Swimming (3-7)
• *Drama (P1-7)
• *French (P3-7)

Specialist Teaching
* These subjects are taught by dedicated specialists who help their pupils to develop a love of these subjects as well as reach a higher standard of attainment than is often possible with a non-specialist.

Individual Music Tuition
Tuition in string, piano, brass and other wind instruments is available by private arrangement. The school has its own choir (P5-7), recorder group (P6-7) and orchestra (P4-7).

Information Technology
All pupils have a scheduled session for one hour in the computer room once a week. They follow a basic course in word processing, learn how to operate various programs at each level and by P7 most can also operate search engines successfully.

Physical Education
Sport is a very important aspect of life at Downey House. It is not just about winning and losing, although it is vital that children learn to be good sports and accept disappointments as a fact of life. Sport is vital to develop health and strength but it also teaches teamwork, working together to achieve an end. Important benefits are also self-esteem, self-confidence and a pride in belonging.

Pupil Support
Whilst a high standard of attainment is expected of all children at Downey House, it is recognised that, from time to time, some children may experience specific difficulties with their work. Provision is made to deal with these difficulties in small groups or individually with the employment of our own support teacher for the Preparatory Departments. Parents are kept fully informed of each child's progress by the relevant class teacher.

Reports
Reports are sent out twice a year and, if it is thought desirable, weekly report cards may be used as a means of improving home links in some cases

Parent Interviews
Great importance is attached to the need for parents to be involved in the education of their children. There is no doubt that children make faster progress if parents do take an active interest and support the work of the school. Parents are invited to discuss their children's progress with staff once a year. However parents may make an appointment at any time to see the class teacher if a concern arises. It is also vital that parents inform the school of any circumstances which may be affecting the child's performance in school.

PTA
The Parent Teacher Association has raised an immense amount of money over the years to provide valuable extra equipment to benefit their own and future generations of pupils. They organize an excellent variety of events and welcome any help from any source! The committee is also happy to assist new parents with any problems which may arise.

• Secondhand Uniform Stall
• Cake Sales (March)
• Hallowe'en Spectacular (October)
• Santa Morning (December)
• May Ball
• Summer Fun Night (June)

Absence
It is expected that in the case of absence that parents will notify the school as soon as possible. Since each absence must involve a setback, however small, parents are asked to note that absence from School for purely social or holiday reasons is discouraged because it is detrimental to a pupil's emotional and academic education.

School Dinner
A healthy and well balanced two course dinner is available under the School Meals Scheme provided by caterers at a charge. If parents wish, children may bring a packed lunch which they eat in their classrooms. No pupil is permitted to leave the school premises during the lunch hour unless parents make a prior arrangement.

Entry
The academic year runs from September to June. Entry into Form P1 (starting school for the first time) is normally for those who reach the age of five years within the current school year (that is, before 1st July of the year following their entry to school.) Applications should preferably be made by the Easter,at the latest, before the proposed year of entry. Application forms should be obtained from the Secretary, Downey House. All forms should be accompanied by the appropriate registration fee. Entry for older pupils depends on a suitable vacancy being available, and on the pupil having reached the same academic standard as other pupils in the relevant year.

Fees
Information concerning the current fees and the rules governing payment can be found on the website or by contacting the Secretary, Downey House.

Uniform
The Downey House uniform colours are royal blue and gold. Historically they have always been different from those of Methodist College. The badge is a dragon with the motto AD AUGUSTA. A list of official suppliers and other details are available from the school.

Downey House Pre-School
Please contact the Head of Pre-School, Downey House

Downey House Afterschool Club
Please contact the School Secretary, Downey House