Additional Learning

As part of your personalised learning at DCHS we have a range of courses to suit the needs of all of our Sixth Form students.

Students will be expected to choose from a range of courses to study-based on availability in September, alongside their main Sixth Form programme of study. Students may wish to access the ‘Extended Project’ scheme which allows students to develop independent study and develop research and planning skills.

There are many other additional learning courses to opt for, including the resits in Maths and or English.Some extension courses that maybe on offer in the autumn term as examples are listed below:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Students research a topic of their choice & produce a 5000 word report or create an artefact accompanied by a 1000 word report. It provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A-level syllabus, stand out and prepare for university or their future career. It can also be used to earn extra UCAS points. EPQ helps to develop independent learning, initiative, a genuine passion for a specific field of study, research skills, project management, ICT, presentation skills and consideration of ethical issues.

CACHE Level 2 Award Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualification (QCF)

This is a nationally recognised qualification that enables successful candidates to work with young people in a variety of roles.This qualification will enable you to develop the knowledge and skills needed when supporting teaching and learning in primary, secondary or special schools. It covers a wide range of areas including children and young people’s development,supporting those with disabilities or special educational needs and communication and professional relationships. It involves practical hands-on experiences of working in a setting.

Level 3 Mathematical Studies – Core Maths

Core Maths is a new Level 3 course equivalent to an AS for students who have achieved a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths. The qualification is designed to prepare students for the mathematical demands of work, study and life.The skills developed in the study of Mathematics are increasingly important in the workplace and in higher education; studying Core Maths will help you keep up these essential skills. However Core Maths should not be seen as a replacement for A Level Maths but rather to compliment other A Level choices where Maths has not been chosen. Universities look upon Core Maths very favourably when you are planning on studying a course which has high mathematical content like Business, Geography, Biology,Sociology or Psychology.Core Maths has been designed to maintain and develop real-life maths skills. What you study is not purely theoretical or abstract;it can be applied on a day-to-day basis in work, study or life.The course focuses primarily on statistics and finance and their real life application.Most students who study some form of Maths after GCSE improve their career choices and increase their earning potential. Employers from all different sectors are firmly behind the Core Maths qualification. Many roles in today’s workplace require high levels of budget management and problem-solving skills; Core Maths will be a useful tool in equipping you with these skills. The course has been developed with employers,universities and professional bodies as valuable preparation for higher education and employment. Below is a short video exploring Core Maths in more detail.

Next Steps: Work Experience Placement

This is a great opportunity for all Year 12 students to gain valuable work experience for a week in July after your formal examinations. This should be linked to your long term career plans and will help further develop your personal skills. Each student will be visited by a member of staff to support their placement.Students who are invited to study Further Maths will not be required to complete any extra additional learning.

Other Options

Additional learning is constantly evolving as we explore different ways to offer 6th Form ways to develop skills for the future. We also offer short 8 week courses in First Aid, Sports Leadership, MOOC Independent learning via Unifrog as well as an Arts Gold Award for those doing Creative Subjects.

All Additional learning opportunities are subject to change dependent on the lifting of Covid Restrictions in 2021.