Ofsted Reports

Pupil Premium Information

Finalist National Science and Engineering Competition

A Downs School, year 13 student recently exhibited at the Big Bang Fair as a finalist in The National Science and Engineering Competition that is open to all 11-18 year olds living in the UK and in full-time education. The Competition aims to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

When I found out I was in the final I was shocked but really happy that my project was seen to be good enough. Over the two days I had school children, teachers, neurologists and doctors come over to talk to me about my stand and what I did - they all said they'd learnt a lot after reading about my project. I would definitely recommend entering as I met so many amazing people and it's such a good experience to be showcasing your own work amongst big companies such as L'Oreal and GlaxoSmithKline at the Big Bang Fair.

West Berkshire heat of the Year 10 Team Mathematics Competition

The Downs School recently hosted the West Berkshire heat of a Year 10 Maths Competition. Teams of students from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire settled themselves down and got their brains into gear with the “Mathematical Teasers” which were awaiting them on their tables when they arrived and then it was time for the competition ? five rounds, ranging from the fast-paced “Name that Rule” round (with only 30 seconds per clue) to the 25 minute long “Problem solving” round. Students had also put in time before the competition to learn all about Base 6 (a subject not on the GCSE syllabus) so that they could answer the questions in the “Hex” round.

At one stage in the competition The Downs was listed amongst the top-scoring teams, but lower scores in the last couple of rounds meant that our two teams dropped to ninth and sixteenth place ? still a very creditable result. So many congratulations to our teams and to the overall winners, St. Birinus, who will be competing in the Regional Final at Wycombe High School in May.

Under 17 National Badminton Championships

We are very happy to report that Max, a Year 11 student, continues to be extremely successful in national and international badminton tournaments. Just recently he played in two national events, singles and mixed, and reached Quarter Finals in both, still being a year young in this age group. He also knocked out the fifth seed in singles in 2 sets.

Definitely one to watch. Huge congratulations Max!