Subject CHOICES

Introduction

We are delighted to be able to offer a wide variety of 34 different types of courses within our 6th Form at DCHS!

At DCHS you have 3 pathways to follow as a 6th Former.

The first pathway is the traditional academic route where you will select 3 A- level subjects to study. We ask that you select four on your application form including a RESERVE choice in case one of your options is not available.

The second pathway is a mixture of A-level or BTEC subjects which gives a blended academic/vocational suite of subjects to study. Again we ask that you select four on your application form including a RESERVE choice in case one of your options is not available.

The third pathway is following the Level 2/3 Hairdressing course which is a specialised vocational course.

You can access all subjects to find about each via the drop down menu to your left. We hope you find lots of inspiration in the videos and subject overviews that will interest and inspire you to want to become a part of DCHS 6th Form!

MORE INFORMATION ON ROUTES 1+ 2- A-Levels & BTECS

The A-Level is a General Certificate of Education. All A Level subjects are now studied over a two-year period with external examinations at the end of Year 13. BTECs are delivered through a more practical based approach.They are made up of a number of units, the number of units studied being dependent on the level and scope of BTEC being undertaken.To complete each unit students’work is assessed along the way,linking theory with practical exercises. This on going assessment allows students to analyse and improve their own performance through the course rather than having to complete exams at the end of the course.They are equivalent to A Levels and are highly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike. However, with some BTEC courses there may now be an examination element.Please see individual subject areas for further details.

Advanced Level 3 students have the opportunity to study three subjects. Some subjects will follow directly from GCSE or BTECsubjects, whilst others can be tackled without previous experience. Please see individual subjects’ specific requirements.All courses are challenging and require students to develop effective habits where they will need to do a great deal of independent study and learning.For most Level 3 courses the qualifications will result in ALevel (Grades A* to E) or a BTEC equivalent (Distinction, Merit,Pass). In national terms they are both Level 3 qualifications and,depending on the course and college/ university you may be interested in, offer appropriate points or grades for entry to Higher Education.

Entry Requirements

To study for Advanced Level 3 courses (A Level, BTEC/CAMTECH/NCFE CACHE/WJEC) across routes 1 or 2, students need to demonstrate that they have the potential to succeed on the course. In the majority of cases this will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs or BTEC Equivalent at Grade 4 or above in five separate, relevant subjects and from the Spring term of Year 11 a good attitude to learning across their GCSE subjects.

(Please note that there are specific requirements for individual subjects which are listed in the subject contents pages and on the Entrance Requirements page of the prospectus.) It should also be noted that all qualifications are 2-year courses, with final assessments at the end of Year 13 (AS entry at the end of Year 12 will only be considered in exceptional individual circumstances).

Students will complete internal examinations to establish attainment and progress throughout these courses.Informal internal exams will take place at the end of Year 12. Students must exhibit the necessary ability and attitude to move into Year 13.

Route 2- Level 2/3 Course in Hairdressing

For a number of our students there is an opportunity to follow this route of study with this specialised course area.

GCSE English Language & Mathematics Resit-Important Information

Any student who has not currently obtained a minimum of a Grade 4 in English and or Maths will be provided with additional lessons. It is in the student’s interest to progress and have the opportunity to try to gain a good pass (ideally a 5) to enhance employability or higher education choices. It will be expected that students attending these classes as part of their additional learning remain studying them until they have received confirmation of achieving the minimum grade to move on with their studies.