Academic Life

In the Sixth Form, pupils are able to select their individual tutor, with whom they meet weekly. This is unusual and is a significant commitment on our part to ensure that the School is able support, guide and mentor students towards their greatest self.  Many tutor relationships last well into adulthood, with some even attending weddings!
 

The Choices

A Level courses are linear, meaning that pupils study for the full two years in order to obtain the A Level qualification, sitting exams at the end of the course.  There is also the option to study a BTEC in Sport or in Business. 

Dean Close offers a range of programmes of study that are tailored to the needs and abilities of each pupil. The principles that underpin these programmes are that:

• All pupils study towards A levels/BTECs
• All pupils take an option or options in the Enrichment Block
    (in some circumstances this may be a fourth A level)

The majority of pupils will take THREE A levels and an option from the Enrichment Block.

In order to undertake the normal A Level course we expect pupils to have obtained a minimum of seven grade 5 subject passes at GCSE with grade 6/7 the standard minimum requirement in those subjects intended for further study.  GCSE guidelines are available for each A level subject although the final decision about suitability for a particular subject lies with the Director of Studies.