Year 11 leavers celebrate five years at The Downs School, Compton

Year 11 pupils marked the end of an era with songs, shirt signing and more.

They have not sat their GCSE exams yet, but that didn’t stop Year 11 leavers at The Downs School in Compton from marking their five years of schooling on Wednesday, May 8.

And, if the school barely survived the first day’s festivities, Year 13 students also kicked off their summer celebrations with a tug of war on Friday, May 10.

Assistant headteacher KS4, Jodie Duthie, said about the day: “The Year 11 Leavers’ Day was a wonderful opportunity for the students to reflect upon their journey at The Downs School, to remind themselves of how much they have grown and developed into ambitious learners ready to take on the challenge of their final GCSE examinations.”

The day began with pupils performing songs, followed by the customary shirt signing by their friends and teachers.

Each form tutor then gave a heartfelt speech about their pupils’ journey from Year 7 to Year 11.

Deputy headteacher, Phil Wilson, added: “The Leavers’ Day has been such a positive experience and really showcases our students’ focused, can-do mindset.

“What it really brought home to me was how well our staff and students work together as a team.

“They have worked incredibly hard to get ready for their exams and we know they will do us, and themselves, proud.

“They share the same ambition: it’s not just about achieving great exam results.

“It’s also about ensuring we give our students the experiences and outlook that prepares them for the world of tomorrow.”

The current cohort arrived at the school in 2019.

By March 2020, they were committed to home learning due to the pandemic. But they persevered.

Many pupils will be returning in September to join The Downs School Sixth Form.