Discover Sport at Downe House

Downe House has an excellent reputation for lacrosse and with fourteen school teams it is certainly one of our biggest sports.

Curriculum

Lacrosse is taught to the Remove, Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth as a compulsory activity. From Upper Fourth upwards pupils can select Lacrosse in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. By selecting Lacrosse, they are making the choice to represent the School.  

Competition

We have regular fixtures for all age groups in the Michaelmas and Lent terms often fielding upwards of 14 teams every Saturday. We enter tournaments at County, Regional and National level and have great success.

2022

• 1st team County Champions and National Schools top 8 finish
• U14A County Champions and South West Schools runners up 
• U15A National Schools semi finalists
• U12A County Champions and South West finalists 
• U13A National Schools division 1 finalists

2023

• 1st team County Champions 
• South West Schools runners up 
• South Schools semi finalists
• U15 County Champions 

We have many girls involved in the England Lacrosse talent pathway with girls going on to represent England in National competitions. We also have girls involved with other National programmes such as Ireland Lacrosse, Wales Lacrosse, Scotland Lacrosse, China Lacrosse, Hong Kong Lacrosse and Netherlands Lacrosse. 

Recreation

We have open sessions available to the girls to join and all players are encouraged to practice their skills in their free time. We run internal training and matches for all age groups and levels and of course our yearly House Lacrosse competition.

We have an annual match against Radley College for the senior girls which brings out the girls competitive edge more than any game during the season! 

You can expect lots of netball at Downe House and extremely high levels of participation, with teams from A to E in each year group.

Curriculum

Netball is currently taught to all students in Remove and Lower Fourth. From Upper Fourth they can choose to select netball for their lessons in Lent term, and from Lower Fifth onwards they have the option to select to play netball in both the Michaelmas and Lent terms. 

Competition

Students in Remove and Lower Fourth and those Upper Fourth- Upper Sixth who choose to play netball have the chance to represent the School and compete in regular fixtures. Most age groups play fixtures across both the Michaelmas and Lent terms.

We take part in prestigious National Competitions such as the Sisters in Sport and the School Sport Magazine Cups, and in 2022/23 our senior first team reached the Sisters in Sport National Bowl quarter final.

We support students who want to play netball for clubs outside of school, and currently have students representing local performance clubs such as Woodley and Laurel Park. We provide opportunities for students to develop their umpiring and coaching skills should they wish to pursue this pathway.   

Recreation

Students are encouraged to use the netball courts in their free time to practice their technical skills such as shooting. We often run internal tournaments and house competitions, which are very much enjoyed by all!

Additionally, the highly anticipated annual staff versus students netball fixture is a highlight of the Downe House Netball Calendar! 

Hockey is a key sport at Downe House and has grown hugely in recent years with our teams achieving excellent results.

Curriculum

Hockey is taught to the Remove and Lower Fourth as a compulsory activity. From Upper Fourth upwards pupils can select Hockey in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. By selecting Hockey, they are making the choice to represent the School.  

Competition

We have regular fixtures for all age groups in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. We enter the Indoor and Outdoor County tournaments and have recent successes. 

2022

• U12 Berkshire Champions (qualified for South Region and finished 4th)  
• U14 Plate runners up (Qualified for Tier 4 Regionals and finished 5th)  

2023

• U16 Berkshire runners up (Qualified for South Region)  
• U14 TBC  

Students are also nominated to trial for Berkshire county at all age groups. This is an 8 week process with training on Friday evenings. We have had success in this process every year.  

Recreation

We have a link with Newbury Hockey Club and also arrange the annual mixed match v Radley College. We run Inter House Competitions which always prove to be played in true house spirit with lots of colour and energy!  

Tennis season is all year round at Downe and we are proud to offer the finest coaching programme in the country.

Curriculum

Tennis is a mandatory component from Remove to Lower Sixth during the summer term. Additionally, it is offered as part of an optional rotation for Upper Fifth to Upper Sixth throughout Michaelmas and Lent. Curriculum lessons focus on match-play, tactics, and fundamental techniques, with a special emphasis on doubles point play, preparing students for weekend fixtures. 

Competition

Tennis fixtures take place throughout each term, offering a variety of opportunities for players.

In Michaelmas and Lent, the Upper Sixth team gains access to the winter nationals through LTA competitions.

However, the summer term is the pinnacle of our match schedule. Every Wednesday, Remove to Lower Fifth pupils participate in LTA events, while Saturdays feature significant block fixtures against local schools for players spanning from Remove to Upper Sixth. We enter the ISTA Championships held at Eton College which lands on our last weekend of the term. The top doubles partnerships from U13, U15 and U19 get entered and participate across 4 days trying to reach the last rounds of a knockout draw. 

Recreation

Our tennis programme places a significant emphasis on recreation, resulting in a vital aspect of our overall offering. With five dedicated tennis coaches on staff, we conduct individual and group tennis lessons consistently from 9am on Monday through to lunchtime on Saturday. Remarkably, over half of the school population actively participates in extra-curricular tennis lessons each week across Michaelmas, Lent, and the Summer term. These lessons are strategically scheduled during students’ prep sessions within their weekly timetable, only exempting times when exams or school trips take place. 

During the summer term, we actively encourage students to extend their tennis activities into the evenings, using our numerous courts. The social aspect of tennis is a focal point of our promotion efforts. 

Furthermore, we host additional weekly squads during the Summer term, welcoming staff members to join and enhance their tennis skills. 

Elite Pathway Programme

In complement to our standard curriculum and recreational offerings, we proudly introduce the Elite Pathway Programme – an exclusive initiative tailored to propel the development of our top-tier tennis players. This unique program features personalized coaching sessions with the Head of Racquet Sports, supplemental indoor practice opportunities during the Michaelmas and Lent terms, along with complimentary racquet stringing and match grips. By extending these additional resources, we aim to provide an enriched and specialized pathway for the advancement of our most dedicated and skilled tennis enthusiasts.

Our 25m heated indoor pool brings a popular and successful swimming programme to School.

Curriculum

Swimming is currently taught from Remove – Upper Fourth as part of a rotation. Once students enter the Upper Fourth they can also select swimming as an option for their lessons in both the Michaelmas and Lent terms. There are a variety of skills delivered including the opportunity to try synchronised swimming, water polo and diving skills.

Competition

Students have the chance to compete in regular galas at all age groups. Throughout the Michaelmas and Lent terms, we also attend various relay events, Biathlons, Triathlons, and invitational galas where we often see immense success.

Recreation

Students are encouraged to use the swimming pool wherever possible. Sessions are offered three evenings a week for either recreational, fitness or extended coaching opportunities. We also have links with Newbury Swimming Club for those wishing to extend their training and development further. 

Curriculum

Squash is currently taught from Remove to Upper Fourth as part of a rotation. Once students enter the Upper Fourth they can also select squash as an option for their lessons in both the Michaelmas and Lent terms.  

Competition

Students have the chance to compete in regular fixtures at all age groups. Throughout the Michaelmas and Lent terms, we take part in the National Schools Competition where we often see great success. In recent years, we have reached the final in all three age groups and we are the most well-represented school in the country.  

Recreation

Students are encouraged to use the squash courts in their free time both in the evenings and at weekends. We often run mixed socials, giving the chance for the students to enjoy some doubles competition. Students can also have private coaching from one of our specialist squash coaches. 

Athletics and Cross Country plays a major part in life at Downe House, particularly in the summer months.

Curriculum

Athletics is currently taught to all students in Remove, Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth. From Lower Fifth they can choose to select athletics as an option in the Summer Term.  

Competition

All students have the chance to compete, and we aim to provide a range of competitive experiences to meet all students’ objectives. We compete in multi-school athletics meets as well as the West Berkshire Schools Championships, which provides the platform for our more competitive and able students to qualify for the Berkshire Schools Championships and potentially progress to Nationals. We also enter the National ESAA Track and Field Cup and Berkshire Pentathlon. For those less competitive we enter the local district athletics festivals as well as host friendly fixtures with local schools. We also run popular internal competitions that are open to all and are a good way to gain competition experience in a safe and fun environment.  

All students in Remove to Lower Sixth take part in interhouse cross country. We also enter the ESSA Schools XC Cup, West Berkshire Schools Competition, Radley Relays (which the students love!) as well as the Berkshire Schools Competition from which the students can progress to represent Berkshire at Regional and National level.  

Recreation

Students are encouraged to train in their free time. A weekly club is provided for all students to practice all events. We also have links with Newbury Athletics Club for those wishing to take their training further. Newbury Athletics runs sessions all year round on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as hill sessions on Sundays.  

A running club runs all year round for keen runners of all abilities and many of the students make use of our beautiful cross-country course all year round for independent running. 

Curriculum

Badminton is currently taught from Remove to Upper Fourth as part of a rotation. Once students enter the Upper Fourth they can also select badminton as an option for their lessons in both the Michaelmas and Lent terms. 

Competition

Students have the chance to compete in regular fixtures at all age groups. Throughout the Michaelmas and Lent terms, we take in the National Schools Competition where we often see great success. In recent years, we have reached the final in all three age groups and we are the most well-represented school in the country.  

Recreation

Students are encouraged to train in their free time both in the evenings and at weekends. We often run mixed socials, giving the chance for the students to enjoy some doubles competition. Students can also have private coaching from one of our specialist coaches.

Curriculum

Volleyball is currently taught from Upper Fourth to our Seniors as part of the summer curriculum PE programme. Classes are held on the outside courts during the Summer term which provides a lovely teaching environment. 

Competition

Students have the option to play indoor volleyball for the School team and there are a handful of fixtures during the Michaelmas and Lent term. We have started a relationship with Newbury Volleyball Club where we will be hosting them in a 3-match series every year. There are also outdoor fixtures in the Summer term.  

Recreation

Students are encouraged to come to volleyball club which is regularly on a Wednesday. All students are welcome and there are opportunities for every age group to practice. Students are also welcome to join the Newbury Volleyball Club located at Trinity School where students meet other young players, are coached by professional coaches and have opportunities to play in matches. This is an out of school club but Downe supports the girls going to and from with chaperoned taxis.  

Gymnastics at Downe has a varied and interesting programme. As well as a competitive gymnastics team, we have a club that is open to all.

Curriculum

Gymnastics is taught from Remove to Upper Fourth as part of a rotation. The main focus is basic skills, flight work, and working and creating routines in small groups. 

Competition

We hold an annual Gymnastics and Dance Inter House Competition, which is led by pupils in the Lower Fifth. Each house creates a Group routine, a Solo routine and Vault and Beam routines. It is a highlight of the Lent term.  

Recreation

We run a gymnastics club in the evening which is open to all. The emphasis is on trying new skills in a relaxed and nurturing environment. We also have a link with KD gymnastics club in Newbury, where pupils can go and extend their skills. 

Curriculum

Basketball is offered as an option from Upper Fourth to Upper Sixth as part of the winter programme in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms and is becoming more popular.  

Competition

Students have the option to play in basketball matches for the school teams and there are a handful of fixtures during the Michaelmas and Lent term. 

Recreation

Students are encouraged to come to Basketball Club on Thursday evenings 6:30-7:30pm and there is sometimes the option to play for those who are not in a team for Saturday Active. All students are welcome to use the facilities when the court is not being used to practise skills and shooting.  

Our onsite facilities for fitness include a cardio room containing a wide variety of machines as well as a strength and conditioning suite.

Curriculum

Strength & Conditioning is offered in the curriculum from Upper Fourth to Upper Sixth. During the Upper Fourth year, it is provided on a rotation basis along with 5 other sports for 1 of their 4 weekly lessons, and it is an option in another lesson of the week. From Lower Fifth upwards, there is no obligation for pupils to do an Strength & Conditioning session, and participation is purely voluntary through PE lesson options, however it is still incredibly popular among pupils and groups are often oversubscribed.

The content of these lessons involve understanding the fundamental movements and developing these appropriately dependent on experience and individual targets. Pupils will be encouraged to create their own training programmes with an aim to develop a positive relationship with exercise, and equip them for training and exercise in the future.  

Recreation

Other opportunities for pupils to access Strength & Conditioning include the popular Sixth Form Lift session, whereby Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth pupils are able to follow a programmed session in the Strength & Conditioning gym, and provided with feedback and coaching regarding their technique. All sessions are catered to the ability of the pupil, and differentiated for pupils with more experience than others.

Senior pupils are also permitted to use the Fitness Gym during their free time, after the completion of a gym induction, to promote physical and mental wellbeing, and continue to develop a positive relationship with exercise and sport into later life.

Sports award holders are offered Strength & Conditioning sessions as part of their programme. 

Curriculum

Cricket is taught to the Remove, Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth as part of their compulsory PE lessons every week. From Upper Fourth upwards girls can select cricket in the Summer term. If they do so, they are able to take part in cricket lessons at least once a week. 

Competition

We have regular fixtures throughout the Summer term. These are played on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. We often have several year groups playing on the same day, both home and away. With 9 teams across all age groups the girls are offered several opportunities to play competitively. We play friendlies and national cup competitions and are always looking to expand the number of matches and competitions we enter each year. Our home matches are played at Chieveley Cricket Club where we have formed a good partnership. The ground offers a full-size cricket pitch and has allowed even more matches to take place across all age groups. 

Recreation

With cricket growing across all schools, here at Downe we offer several opportunities for girls to work on their cricket skills outside the timetable. This includes winter nets, running from January onwards. There are also two additional cricket clubs run during the Summer term so girls in every year group can access cricket outside their timetable. We also have girls travelling to Falkland Cricket Club regularly to get even more cricket practice in.  

Curriculum

Dance is taught from Remove to Upper Fourth as part of a rotation. Once students enter the Lower Fifth they can select Dance as an option for their lessons across the year.

Competition

Students are able to compete in Dance competitions by joining the Downe House Dance Academy and Company which is open to all year groups and train once a week on a Wednesday evening.  

Recreation

There are around 30 Extra-Curricular Dance classes on offer throughout the week. These usually take place in the evenings. There are classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and Street Dance. Students can take these classes as a recreational activity, or they can choose to take graded examinations in both Ballet and Contemporary.  

Curriculum

Skiing is not offered as part of the curriculum, however, it is offered on a recreational basis to everyone. All year groups can access skiing if they would like to. This is offered off-site at the indoor ski dome in Hemel Hempstead. Practice includes race training for both slalom and giant slalom. There are ski trials held once a year. These are offered to all year groups and include ski practice and race practice. 

Competition

Every year we attend the British Schoolgirls’ Ski Race Championships in Flaine, France. This gives girls, across all year groups, the chance to compete in slalom, giant slalom and parallels as part of the competition. We have had huge success at this event in the past, including winning several trophies as individuals and teams in the unregistered skiing category. We also attend the BSR Indoor Race event each year. This gives the girls another chance to access an organised race event and show off their slalom and giant slalom skills.  

Recreation

Skiing practice at the indoor Snow Dome is offered to the girls as part of the large extra curricular programme at Downe. We are always looking to increase the number of girls participating on a yearly basis. They are offered the chance to go to the Snow Dome at least once a term. However, if there are girls that are very keen we look to run more trips.  

Curriculum

Football is offered to the Upper Fourth upwards as part of their options throughout the Lent Term.

Competition

Our competitive football is growing, but very much still in the developing stages! We have friendly matches and tournaments against local schools.

Recreation

Students are encouraged to come along to football club to have fun and develop their skills.

Curriculum

Horse Riding is not offered as part of the curriculum but there are plenty of ways to train or compete outside of lessons.  

Competition

We have girls competing in both NSEA and SEG events in all disciplines. We have an Equestrian coach who will support the girls with their entries into competitions and provide team training as well as attend competition days with the girls.  

Recreation

Downe House has a link with Wellington Riding School where girls can have weekly riding lessons. This is by ability, either in groups or individually.