Extra-Curricular Activities

Alongside the Downsend day, there is an equally dynamic extra-curricular programme of events available. 

Clubs 

There is a wide range of clubs running both at lunchtimes and after school, with a balance of creative, active and thought-provoking activities on offer each day.  Club lists are published each term, but can typically include Pottery, Chess, Drama, Spanish, Theatre Dance, Electronics and Yoga amongst others. Sports clubs include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Hockey, Soccer and Tennis. 

Sport 

Sport is immensely popular at Downsend and there are a great many opportunities for children of all abilities to have a go at a competitive sport, representing either the school or their house. The majority of sports practices for Middle & Senior School take place at the end of the school day. There is no extra cost for these practices and parents are advised in advance of timings. We encourage all pupils to take part and find as many opportunities as possible for them to 'have a go'. 

Music 

Pupils can also choose to play musical instruments and there is an option to book lessons through our peripatetic music teachers on a weekly basis. Arrangements for this should be made through the Director of Music by emailing the School Office or by printing off the letter below, completing the booking slip and sending to the School Office. Many of our pupils also join the School Choirs or Orchestras.  

Drama 

In addition to Drama Club, Downsend usually puts on at least two major productions in the course of the academic year, which may include a Middle & Senior School play. 

School Trips 

The majority of school outings are of an educational nature and arise directly from the children's studies. Recent outings have included Windsor Castle, the Globe Theatre, High Ashurst Activity Centre, Port Lympne Zoo, the Tate Modern, Portsmouth Naval Dockyard, West End Theatre and the Imperial War Museum.      

Residential trips range from an overnight stay in Year 4 of the Junior School to a five-day trip in Year 6 and a week's visit to France for an intensive language course in Yr 7. Holiday opportunities offered vary, but in recent years have included regular skiing trips, a cricket tour to Barbados and a netball tour to Dubai. The school is pleased to be able to offer these opportunities to the children to broaden their horizons and to give many the first taste of independence. 

Downsend+ and Downsend Lodges+ 

This broad based and varied offering is further enhanced with the Downsend+ holiday scheme. In addition, Downsend Lodges+ caters for our younger children at one of our pre-preparatory Lodges in Leatherhead. Information about our holiday care provision and how to book is available throughout the school year.