Down High School
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[edit] Down High School
Down High School is a English-medium grammar school in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.
[edit] History
The main school building and the stone walls surrounding it were originally part of the County Gaol. Convicts would be hung in the main gateway in front of the school. There are tunnels crossing from the gatehouse to the court house across the road where the prisoners would be judged.
When the gaol was transformed into a school the tall walls around it were shortened and round blocks were placed on top.
The school's crest, designed by the late RWH Blackwood of Loughinisland near Downpatrick, is a reminder of another link with the past, dating back to the 12th Century. The design itself is based upon the supposed badge of John De Courcy, the Norman soldier who captured Downpatrick in 1177 and established himself as the ruler of North East Ireland. The colours of the crest are taken from the arms of Lady Elizabeth Cromwell (1674-1709), daughter of Vere Essex Cromwell, 4th and last Earl of Ardglass, owner of the Downpatrick estate, and wife of the Rt Hon Edward Southwell of King's Weston, Gloucestershire, MP for Kinsale and Principal Secretary of State for Ireland - a well known benefactor of the town.
The school's motto 'Floreat Dunum' means 'May Down Flourish'.
[edit] Curriculum
[edit] Key Stage 3
Pupils study a large range of subjects that include Art and Design, English, French, Music, Home Economics, I.C.T, Geography, History, Spanish, Religious Studies, Technology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pupils also follow a course in life skills.
[edit] Key Stage 4 (GSCEs)
Pupils must study
* English (Language and Literature) * Mathematics * Science: Double-award or Physics, Chemistry and Biology * Languages: French or Spanish * Games * Religious Education & Life Skills
Aside from these subjects pupils have to choose up to three more subject to do for their exams.
[edit] AS and A2
After GCSEs there is opportunity for A Level study and places available for students from other schools to further their education at 6th form level. Pupils may study Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, English Literature, French, Geography,Government and Politics, History, Home Economics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physics, Psychology (AS), Religious Studies, Spanish, Technology and Theatre Studies.
[edit] Extra-curricular
Down High provides many after-school activities for its pupils. Sports include netball, hockey, rugby, football, cricket, badminton, athletics and squash club, climbing club and equestrian teams. Others incude debating societies, chemisty club, computer club, film club, drama, scripture union, technology club, Young Farmer's Club, mini-enterprise, choir, orchestra and the madrigal group.
In recent years the Down High Rugby team have come on leaps and bounds - a success many attribute to the spark provided by the Class of 99 - and are now a very successful outfit with real depth in the ranks. Tom Seymour achieved a place on the Ulster U19 rugby team. The technology club is also progressing very well.
[edit] Staff
The current headmaster is Mr. W.P. Logan. The deputy headmaster is Mr. M. Smyth. The two vice-principals are Mr. Donnan (pastoral) and Mr. Noble (curricular).
