Subject CHOICES

Introduction

We are delighted to be able to offer a wide variety of 36 different types of courses within our 6th Form at DCHS!

At DCHS you have 2 potential pathways to follow as a 6th Former. 

The first pathway is the traditional academic or combined route where you will select 3 A- level subjects to study or a mixture of A-Level and vocational courses. We ask that you select three on your application form including an additional learning choice.

The second pathway is either the DCHS Football Academy and Sport & Physical Activity- Extended Diploma (which is the equivalent to 3 A-levels), The Triple Health and Social Course (equivalent to 3 A-Levels) or following the Level 2/3 Hairdressing course which is a specialised vocational course. This is referred to in the prospectus as the Single Subject Option.

You can access all subjects to find about each via the drop down menu to your left.  You can find an overview of the additional learning options in the additional learning section of this website. 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!

PLEASE NOTE- The government has recently conducted a review into Level 3 courses and there are some changes to specific courses that are coming on line for September 2025. If you have questions please ask subject teachers about these directly on open evening.

MORE INFORMATION ON Pathway 1- A-Levels & VOCATIONAL COURSES

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 or AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualifications) 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/AAQ 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 BTEC subjects, 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 A Level (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/AAQ/NCFE CACHE/WJEC) across pathway 1, 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. If you have not studied a course before but would like to be considered for the course please speak to a member of the 6th form team to discuss it further.

Pathway 2- Triple Health and Social, Level 2/3 Course in Hairdressing or DCHS Football Academy and Sport & Physical Activity- Extended Diploma (which is the equivalent to 3 A-levels)

For a number of our students there is an opportunity to follow this route of study with either  of these three specialised course areas. Entry requirements are subject specific so please speak to the relevant Head of Faculty/Department.

All courses are subject to adequate student numbers and suitable staffing for them to run in the Autumn of 2025.

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 as part of their study programme. 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 their employability or higher education choices. It will be expected that students attend these classes as part of their additional learning and that they remain studying them until they have received confirmation of achieving the minimum grade to move on with their studies. Attendance is a prerequisite of attending DCHS 6th Form.