Description
Little Downsend Ashtead is Independent Primary school in Surrey for kids aged 2 to 6 (Gender - Mixed )
The motto translates to ‘nothing is denied to valour’ and this is a legacy we embrace at Downsend every day. Never has that been more true than now, as the has not turned out to be how any of us imagined. But, in true Downsend style, we embrace everything the future has to offer by preparing our young people to be global citizens, by encouraging bravery, celebrating innovation, and creating opportunity every day.They aim to inspire young minds to engage in the world around them and think for themselves. Our pupils work hard and learn by getting actively involved in everything they do. It’s not out of the ordinary to see the Battle of Hastings being re-enacted on the cricket pitch. A class investigating air resistance outdoors tied to parachutes. Or our Little Downsend children acquiring numeracy skills in Forest School
Facilities
Little Downsend (age 2 - 6)
They blend an innovative outlook with a warm, caring, family-oriented feel. We care for children from the ages of two to six in our schools in Ashtead, Epsom, and Leatherhead.Each Little Downsend is led by Vanessa Conlan, who instills the same nurture, innovation, love of life, dynamic energy and high standards in each school, supported by experienced and passionate teachers.The Little Downsend generation is an inspiration to us all, taking their responsibility to make the world a more sustainable place very seriously. We work in tandem with our children to give them a global perspective, appreciating their place in the world, and providing the impetus to make change for the better.
Junior School (ages 6-11)
At Downsend, we believe that lessons should be fun and creative so that your child is excited to learn. History does not come alive for children from the pages of a dusty book, comprehension of fractions does not last past break if the experience is not memorable. Our learning is immersive; it’s hands-on, positive, and enriching. It is not uncommon to see children in the Junior School learning about fractions by breaking chocolate into chunks, re-enacting the most challenging political rebellions using fruit, or walking around dressed as Egyptians. We find that active learning engages the children’s imagination, enriches the curriculum, and makes learning fun.
Lower Senior Teaching (age 11-13)
As pupils transition from the Junior School, or join us from other schools at Year 7, there is a sense of excited enthusiasm for the next stage of the journey.They have had much to be proud of in recent years, reflected in our successes in exam results and across a breadth of scholarship awards to some of the best senior schools in the country.As we become an all-through to GCSE school, we continue this drive for academic success, interwoven with the development of softer skills that will enable our young people to be truly incredible.
Upper Senior School Teaching (ages 13-16)
Year 9 is an exciting point in the Downsend journey and represents the start of a three year GCSE, designed to ensure not only the very best GCSE outcomes, but also to provide an opportunity to enjoy the amazing breadth on offer in the Downsend curriculum, and beyond.In Year 9, students will start to build, consolidate, and apply their knowledge as they work towards their GCSE exams in Year 11. They will be helped and encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to develop skills that will allow them to flourish both academically and personally.
Features
Things to note
Sport is part of our DNA
From supporting budding athletes through an elite pathway to providing all pupils with the opportunity to represent their school through competition, the aim is the same. To promote positive wellbeing and develop character and resilience that comes through participation in sport.The ethos has been commended time and time again. Shortlisted in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2022 for Sporting Achievement (following on from a Finalist position in 2019), we are proud of our reputation for a holistic commitment to sport.
Creative Arts
The Creative Arts are a fundamental part of what Downsend has to offer, as we firmly believe that integrating the arts into traditional academia brings significant benefits to a child’s cognitive growth, to their enjoyment of learning and ultimately to their educational outcomes.Although drama, music, art and design are the timetabled subject areas, each encourages the vital life skills of creativity, imagination, expression of feelings and ideas, the ability to work in a team and to communicate. Their impact on your child’s wider learning is influenced by the way we teach these subjects so holistically.
Music
Music too, is seen as an integral part of life at Downsend. Learning to play and appreciate music encourages teamwork, a sense of group identity and the ability to be creative. Music helps to develop self-confidence and social skills, as well as supporting learning in other subject areas. As part of the curriculum, all children will be introduced to percussion and singing, recorder and basic notation. This then progresses to the flute, trumpet, clarinet and violin. In year 4, we introduce the joy of the ukulele, and in year 5, the opportunity to take part in the Young Voices concert at the O2 Arena.
Extra Curricular
Please check the school website link for details.
1.54 miles
