Rigorous curriculum ensures deep engagement and comprehensive understanding of subjects. Study programmes offer a choice from a suite of 20 A Level subjects, supplemented by access to additional courses through a consortium of schools. 

An essential part of the Scholars Baccalaureate is individualised and ambitious careers education. We run a dedicated weekly careers programme that equips students with essential skills for future pathways. We use the platform Unifrog to develop employer-recommended skills and competencies and monitor careers interactions so that we can offer bespoke guidance at all stages of the students’ time in the Sixth Form.

Opportunities outside the classroom promote skill development and broaden horizons. 

Initiatives empower students with essential leadership skills. At DHSG, we are proud to focus on the development of leadership, nurturing the self-belief needed for success in today’s workplace. Our school ethos and curriculum, along with numerous leadership opportunities, support this goal. Many of our alumnae have gone on to hold prestigious positions in society and the workforce. They frequently return to share their wisdom and experiences with our students, inspiring the next generation of leaders. 

Work experience is an essential part of the curriculum in the Sixth Form at DHSG.  Where students are engaged in work experience, this is included as part of their study time, and where students are actively engaged in looking for work experience, we ensure that time is given on their timetables in order to be able to fulfil it.  We also run an enrichment week in the summer term where students are enabled to undertake work experience and additionally, we also develop opportunities where students are not engaged with work experience, for them to undertake virtual work experience on Unifrog or another suitable platform.  We are also engaged with other organisations such as Speakers for Schools that allows students to experience talks about the workplace, and to engage with work experience in their chosen field.  As such work experience is promoted through a variety of channels within the Sixth Form, and we log all students that are undertaking it in any format.  This enables us to keep track of student engagement, and to monitor the impact of our Schol Bacc curriculum.

Independent research develops critical skills for higher education. 

Specialized support exists for Oxford and Cambridge applicants. This includes bespoke personal statement writing help, interview practice, a forward plan of the autumn term to help students manage this with their studies, and also bespoke help with admissions tests.

Targeted guidance for competitive courses. Students are helped in conjunction with our partnership with the University of Plymouth, Peninsula Medical School. Here students are helped with both the UCAT preparation and interview practice as well. The same bespoke personal statement help is also available. ‘Students have very high aspirations. For example, the proportion of students who study medicine at university is considerably above the national figure.’ Ofsted 2019 

Support for studying abroad.  We also offer assistance for students who wish to study abroad. In the past we have facilitated applications to Australia, the USA and Europe. This has allowed our student to pursue an even broader academic field, and as such gives them the highest aspirations possible.

By integrating these components, our co-educational Sixth Form curriculum offers a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for academic success and personal growth. 

At DHSG, you will find an exceptional learning environment with challenging lessons focused on developing Independent Learning Skills (ILS), which are also part of your timetable. During your induction into A-Level studies, we will introduce you to the DHSG philosophy of Independent Learning Skills to help you achieve academic success. This will equip you with the tools to support your scholarship work, think deeply, and be confident in your chosen subjects. 

Each subject department will guide you on the type of scholarship work you can do in their area and encourage you to connect your reading with the curriculum. You will regularly engage with various mediums such as podcasts, online forums, articles, and lectures to enhance your academic skills and potential. This can also lead to pursuing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in Year 13. 

Approximately 90% of our Year 13 students apply to universities each year, with nearly half receiving offers from Russell Group universities, including high success rates for medical, dentistry, veterinary, and Oxbridge applications. 

We provide comprehensive support for students aiming to apply early to competitive destinations. This includes interview practice, early UCAS application assistance, and specialised UCAT tuition. Our support also includes insights from medical professionals and students, along with personalised guidance on crafting strong UCAS personal statements. 

We run a discreet programme for our students that are interested in applying to Oxbridge, which includes bespoke guidance on writing academically led personal statements, help with admissions tests from our expert teaching staff, and individual interview practice led by one of our Oxbridge team. We also lead a specific programme designed to support students pursuing careers in medically related fields such as Medics, Vets, Dentists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Chemists, Opticians, and Midwives. This programme offers tailored workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and access to resources that enhance students' understanding of the application processes and requirements for these demanding professions. It includes comprehensive support for all aspects of medical applications, including interview preparation, access to work experience, and links with medical departments at local universities. 

We take pride in preparing our students for higher education applications. Our UCAS preparation day, in collaboration with partner universities, ensures that students submit competitive applications supported by collaborative efforts between students, tutors, and our Sixth Form team. Regular UCAS reports keep staff informed about students' university aspirations and offer statuses, so that teaching staff are heavily invested in helping our students achieve success.

“Students have very high aspirations. For example, the proportion of students who study medicine at university is considerably above the national figure.” - Ofsted 2019