Downe House in the Community
Each year girls at the School raise tremendous sums of money for different charities around the world. This is achieved by a broad spectrum of activities, for some of which girls take the initiative in organising events. In academic year 2010-11 girls and staff at the School raised over £92,000 for charities.
Boarding-houses have developed links with schools in India, Romania, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Malaysia, Tanzania and Malawi. Houses take the lead in collecting money and equipment as well as corresponding with them. Small parties have also visited the schools.
Closer to home girls from Downe House help in local schools and organised a Christmas party for children from the Castle School. Our girls help with Mencap, an old people's home, nurseries, charity shops, the Cats Protection League and Riding for the Disabled. We also support local charity Buddies by providing girls to act as chaperones during activities using our facilities. A major undertaking is the annual day in early July when every girl in the U4 works in the community for a day.
Sharing our Facilities and Expertise
The School conducts Duke of Edinburgh's Award training with secondary schools, and similar links have been established for educational visits, debating and Young Enterprise. Members of staff also visit schools to teach lessons. Mock Oxbridge interviews were offered to pupils from local schools. We make the pool available for local groups such as Newbury Swimming Club, schools and the army.