Sixth Form Curriculum
Our aim is to secure the academic potential of each individual through a personalised curriculum in which students can expect to receive regular assessment and targeted feedback. All students study a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. Equal importance is also placed on providing students with the opportunity to extend and enrich their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diverse local, national and international communities. In addition, we believe strongly in developing a student’s ability to become an independent learner and their willingness to take responsibility for their own learning.
St Clement Danes provides a high quality learning environment with a dedicated Sixth Form block; as a student in our Sixth Form, there is a choice from a broad curriculum of 27 subjects covering sciences, maths, technologies, social sciences, humanities, arts, sport and languages. A level lessons are taught in smaller sets, led effectively by our highly experienced teaching staff.
Discussion with students confirms the excellent quality and range of the courses provided.
(OFSTED)
In addition to the usual A level qualifications, students with mainly grades 7-9 at GCSE will be encouraged to pursue an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This A level standard qualification is designed to push the more able students and improve their access to those universities who demand higher entry requirements. It is also designed to give students an opportunity to develop their research skills and reflect on subject content that they will encounter as an undergraduate. Students will choose a topic area and undertake to carry out an in-depth investigation, producing an extended dissertation and a final presentation. They will be individually mentored by a dedicated subject specialist throughout this process. This qualification is managed and supported by Mrs O'Dowd, our Extended Project Coordinator. We have consistently produced outstanding results in an increasingly popular area of the Sixth Form curriculum, with 80% and above of all students regularly achieving an A or A* grade.
The Sixth Form has rigorous monitoring processes and students can expect to be challenged on underperformance. In the first term of Year 12, students are given target grades for each subject and students are expected to meet or exceed their targets in the majority of their work. In October of Year 12, a tutorial week takes place to discuss and advise students on their early performance in each subject. A Parent Consultation Evening follows in December and comprehensive monitoring reports are issued in each term. Progress is regularly assessed by teachers and if students are falling below their targets this will be reported to the Sixth Form Leadership Team who will tailor the nature of support on an individual basis.
For further information about the Sixth Form curriculum please contact the Sixth Form office at scdsixthform@scd.herts.sch.uk or ask to speak with Mr Arnold, Director of Sixth Form and Assistant Headteacher.