Sixth Form Guide Book

Guide book

Sixth Form

Dauntsey’s

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Welcome from the Head Master Our Sixth Form Dauntsey’s Sixth Form A Level programme The William Dauntsey Award Support There’s more to life...

Where next?

Life-long community Joining Dauntsey’s

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Dauntsey’s

Welcome to the Sixth Form at Dauntsey’s Your Sixth Form years should be the most exciting and enriching period of your school journey. These two formative years will allow you to discover your passions, deepen your knowledge, and develop critical skills that will shape and prepare you for life beyond school.

Beyond academics, you will have ample opportunities for new adventures. We invite you to take on leadership roles and learn the value of contributing to our diverse and vibrant community. Whether you are currently part of our school family or considering joining us, we offer a warm, inclusive, ambitious, and caring Sixth Form culture. Our aim is to provide you with the freedom to grow through challenge and opportunity, while also offering the support you need as you navigate important decisions about your future.

We believe in mutual growth, and we encourage you to challenge us as well. As our most senior pupils, you will be key leaders in our school. Younger pupils will look up to you as role models, and our dedicated teachers will collaborate with you to ensure you have the best educational experience possible.

Ultimately, we want you to leave Dauntsey’s as fulfilled, prepared, and hopeful individuals who reflect on their final two years of secondary education with joy and pride.

We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you.

John Davies, Head Master

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Your time in the Sixth Form will be the last two years of your school life, so make them the best years. Work hard, play hard – and have fun!

It’s an opportunity to study what interests and excites you in greater depth, so choose subjects you love. It’s easier to work hard if you enjoy it.

Not having to sit public exams in the Lower Sixth means more time to spend on what you want to do. Be open minded, try something new and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve. There’s drama, expeditions, debate, so many different sports, clubs and activities, plentiful volunteering opportunities, academic and sporting trips - the list goes on.

Work definitely steps up several paces from GCSEs so it’s important to learn to manage your time and balance study with your other interests. You’ll find the closer relationships with staff really helpful. You can rely on their support and advice, whether you’re struggling with a tough piece of work or a personal problem. There’s a feeling of genuine teamwork.

There is a lively social life too which offers a good opportunity to have a break from A Level study. The 17 Club is the social centre of Sixth Form life, allowing for Upper and Lower Sixth to come together as one and get to know each other better. The 17 Club Committee is also responsible for organising social events from a Welcome Party to the Val Ball. There are house parties and trips too, as well as charity fundraising events which are usually great fun – the Farmer House Boules tournament is a notable highlight for example and, of course, there’s sailing on Jolie Brise,

as well as DW, Brecons Challenge and the Paris Half Marathon, if you’re so inclined.

Don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to ask for help from anyone – the Sixth Form is a genuinely friendly and positive place to be. If you’re new, you’ll find a warm welcome, a buddy from your house to show you the ropes and more opportunities than you could have imagined. If you’ve moved up from the Fifth Form, you have an idea of what to expect – but you should view the Sixth Form as a new beginning; a chance to get involved in something different and to push yourself to try new things and meet new people too.

One final piece of advice and in the words of a friend, “Be open minded and put yourself out there!”

Nancy and Matthew, Head Girl and Head Boy 5

Dauntsey’s

Dauntsey’s Sixth Form

Entering into the Sixth Form is an enormously exciting time. You are given freedom and independence, both within your studies and outside of the classroom, and a wealth of new opportunities open up.

Whilst a clear step up from Middle School, the Sixth Form remains very much part of the whole school community and the strong ethos of kindness, inclusivity and positivity stands strong. Relationships with staff mature and leadership opportunities within the school are plentiful.

With some 290 pupils in the Upper and Lower Sixth approximately 30 new pupils join the Lower Sixth each year - it is a close-knit but vibrant community with a good mix of boarders and day pupils.

Lessons are taught in small groups, an average of nine students, by dedicated and experienced teachers.

We are here to stretch you academically and help you to achieve your best, but equally we are here to support you throughout the two years, and to prepare you for whatever your future may hold.

My commitment to you all is that I will do all I can to ensure that you have the best two years of your life.

I look forward to sharing more about our Sixth Form programme with you.

Zoe Ross, Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form)

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290 PUPILS IN SIXTH FORM

Our A Level Programme

The Sixth Form curriculum at Dauntsey’s is designed to provide the best possible preparation for life beyond school. You are therefore offered the opportunity for real breadth of study, with a free choice of subjects rather than fixed option columns, as well as considerable opportunity for academic enrichment.

Almost all pupils will study three A Level subjects plus an additional fourth option from one of our Lower Sixth-only courses (3+1). These courses are timetabled for between two and four periods each week, rather than the usual eight, and are examined at the end of the Lower Sixth, therefore offering you a valuable qualification whilst leaving plenty of time to focus on your three A Level subjects. An exception to the above is if you are studying Further Maths, in which case you will typically take four subjects all the way through to A Level.

9 AVERAGE NUMBER IN AN A LEVEL CLASS

Importantly though, our A Level programme is flexible, allowing pupils to design a programme best suited to their particular requirements.

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3+1

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) This allows for you to extend your abilities beyond the A Level syllabus and prepare for university-level study.

It is worth more university entrance points than an AS qualification, with the top grade of an A* valued at 28 points compared to 20 points for the top grade of an A at AS level.

There is no restriction on the topic chosen or the mode of final exposition: it can be a dissertation, investigation/ field study, performance or artefact.

Core Maths This is a one-year course that gives you the opportunity to use and apply maths skills to real life situations such as calculating your salary after tax. This course complements those studying Geography, Psychology, Business and Economics. There will be external exams at the end of the Lower Sixth, where students can gain up to 20 UCAS points or a lower grade offer with this qualification.

Maths for Science This is a one-year course that gives you the Maths skills that are necessary to access the Sciences at A Level. It is intended to allow you a greater flexibility of subject choice by removing the need for you to take Maths to support a Physics A Level.

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Leadership, Sport and Adventure (LSA) We also offer our very own LSA course for those interested in a more vocational option.

This course is comprised of two existing qualifications (the ILM Level 2 Extended Award for Young Leaders and the Youth Sports Award), which together make up a combined offering that is exclusive to Dauntsey’s.

This combination will be taught as a one-year course in the Lower Sixth.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) International students are advised to take the essential IELTS qualification for non-native English speakers as one of their timetabled options, although it can also be taken outside of the normal timetable if preferred.

The Dauntsey’s Philosophy Course This course is designed to provoke. Inescapably it will provoke thought; oh-so-certainly it will provoke debate, and ever-hopefully it will provoke action.

Ancient Greek GCSE Back from the dead, and by popular demand, Ancient Greek, is now on offer to Sixth Formers at Dauntsey’s, who would like this as their ‘+1’.

“ The EPQ allows you a breadth of study that isn’t available in your A Levels”

50+ PUPILS CHOOSE THE EPQ

“ I wanted to keep my options open, so decided on History, Drama and Maths, plus an EPQ that involves looking at the apocalypse as a theme in film and television.”

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How to choose...

Making options choices is easy for some students, but for others the process is tricky and needs careful thought and planning. The following tips might be helpful: • Choose subjects that you are good at and that you enjoy.

• Some subjects are compulsory for certain courses or careers.

• Choices should be realistic and sensible.

• Some subjects require no previous experience; some require a minimum Grade 7 at GCSE. • Further Mathematics is highly recommended for Science/Mathematics based Higher Education courses.

• Subject combinations are important; consider whether to specialise in a particular area or to keep options open by taking a greater breadth of subjects.

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It is vitally important that if you are intending to enter Higher Education courses you bear in mind the particular requirements of the course you wish to study. Expert advice is available from the Careers Department.

29 SUBJECT CHOICES

ART AND DESIGN

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

MUSIC

BIOLOGY

ENGLISH LITERATURE

MUSIC TECH

BUSINESS

FRENCH

PHOTOGRAPHY

CHEMISTRY

GEOGRAPHY

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

GERMAN

PHYSICS

COMPUTER SCIENCE

HISTORY

POLITICS

DANCE

HISTORY OF ART

PSYCHOLOGY

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

LATIN

PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION

DRAMA AND THEATRE

MATHEMATICS

ECONOMICS

MATHEMATICS (FURTHER)

AND ETHICS

SPANISH 11

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16 DIFFERENT MODULES TO CHOOSE FROM

Complementary Curriculum Programme All students undertake our popular Complementary Curriculum Programme in the Lower Sixth. The aim of the programme is to encourage you to think about matters that are not normally covered by your academic studies, as well as giving you practical skills to serve you in other areas of life.

You will choose two taught modules, in subjects such as Mandarin, Political Theory and International Relations, Film Studies, Cookery and Current Affairs. Each module lasts for approximately one term.

In addition to this, you will attend a series of talks and lectures given by outside speakers - recent speakers have included Prof. Robert Winston, Clare Balding and Carrie Gracie.

Students will also have a number of sessions on study skills in preparation for sitting A Level exams, as well as sessions focusing on careers advice and university applications.

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The William Dauntsey Award

What happens outside of the classroom is as important as what happens within when it comes to creating well-rounded individuals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the opportunities that are on offer throughout their time at Dauntsey’s and great value is put on the importance of giving back to the community.

The William Dauntsey Award celebrates all that students do outside the classroom to support themselves, their friends and the community.

The Award comprises of four different strands: Intellect, Creative, Service and Physical. As a Sixth Form student, you would work towards your Gold Award, which would require you to collect 25 points per strand, plus an additional 25 points from any strand.

Being awarded the Gold William Dauntsey Award is a great honour and shows true commitment to the Dauntsey’s spirit and our five values; Adventure, Awareness, Confidence, Resilience and Respect.

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Support

24/7 CARE AND SUPPORT

Your House Your house really is your home from home at Dauntsey’s– the place where you can relax with your school family and where your Housemistress or Housemaster, and the team of tutors behind them, are your number one source of support and advice, personally and academically.

Beyond your house there are multiple layers of additional support. If you’re not feeling great, you don’t have far to go – the medical centre is brilliant and nurses are available 24/7. Plus there are regular doctors’ surgeries and a visiting physiotherapist.

If you’re upset or unhappy, there are counsellors as well as a chaplain and the Listening Service, which is led by pupils who are on call every day to offer a sympathetic ear. There’s time for reflection and peace at the regular chapel services if that’s what you need.

8 HOUSES (4 DAY AND 4 BOARDING)

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As a Sixth Former, you’ll find yourself looking out for younger members of your house, just as if they were your younger brothers or sisters. You also have the opportunity to do a week of duty at The Manor, as a big brother or sister figure; this is certainly hard work, but also a lot of fun!

There’s always something going on, often organised by a team of pupils – parties, waterpark visits, cinema trips, curry nights, outdoor movies, trips to the theatre and Nando’s, seaside or shopping trips and much more. For boarders the school runs a regular bus service to Devizes so you can go to the bank, buy a birthday present or stock up on your favourite snacks. Even though local boarders can leave after Saturday school and matches (and occasionally during the week), the majority stay in house to relax with their friends and catch up on their work. There are also lots of inter-house competitions that are fiercely fought and a lot of fun.

“ There is plenty going on at the weekend, but actually what we enjoy the most is relaxing with our friends, playing pool and having some downtime.”

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There’s more to life

40+ DEDICATED SIXTH FORM CLUBS

Whether a boarder or a day pupil, our Sixth Formers enjoy a thriving social life, and there are a large number of events and activities to ensure there is never a dull moment.

The Sixth Form social ‘epicentre’, the 17 Club, is based in the heart of the school and is open at various times in the school day and at weekends. The Club sells snacks and drinks, and on Saturday evenings it also serves alcohol with food, under adult supervision. Annual highlights are the Welcome Party and the Valentine’s Ball. If you wish to join the 17 Club you must apply for, and be granted, membership - the application process involves parental agreement.

Whether you’re into intellectual pursuits, sports, the Arts or adventure, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are literally dozens of clubs and activities covering everything from table tennis to ballet, debating to drama, chamber choir to circuit training, so you’ll meet people with similar interests.

Adventure All Sixth Formers have a chance to sail on Dauntsey’s 1913 pilot cutter, the Jolie Brise – she has become a YouTube star and even has a pub named in her honour. It might just be a cruise, but you could end up taking part in the Tall Ships Races.

Other challenges include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, the Brecons Challenge (a weekend of canoeing, cycling and running through the Welsh mountains), the Paris half-marathon, Dauntsey’s Triathlon, winter mountaineering in Scotland or the gruelling Devizes to Westminster canoe race; for the last of these, think training in all weathers, working through exhaustion and the biggest sense of achievement ever.

There are also expeditions, such as an annual visit to work at a Romanian orphanage, and one-off visits to countries that have included Tanzania, Bhutan and Madagascar.

Departmental trips include a Geography trip to Iceland, History trip to Paris, Art trip to Florence or Rome, Physics to CERN and many language trips to relevant countries too.

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“ Try something new; you will be surprised to see what you can do!”

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Dauntsey’s

Sports Whether a keen sports person or not, everyone reaps the benefits of incorporating sports of some description into their day.

With our beautiful grounds and great facilities, there’s sport for everyone, starting with two timetabled sessions every week, plus matches on Saturdays and some Thursdays too. The gym and pool are also frequently open for you to use.

If you’re not involved in the main team sports, there are lots of other options from swimming, aerobics, yoga, personal training, fencing, training for the Devizes to Westminster canoe race, rifle shooting, golf, karate and rowing.

Many pupils compete at county, regional and national level and there are international tours, too. Recent tours have included the West Indies for cricket, Malaysia for hockey, rugby in Portugal, and football in the Netherlands.

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DIFFERENT SPORT OPTIONS

40+ SIXTH FORMERS INVOLVED IN THE ANNUAL MUSICAL

Performing Arts We have staged the school, youth or amateur premieres of a string of big name musicals including Cats, Evita, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot, Legally Blonde and Chicago. The annual musical is just one of six or seven productions every year, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved behind the scenes as well as in the spotlight.

If you enjoy dance, there’s an annual showcase featuring the work done in street, modern dance, ballet, and contemporary dance.

For musicians, there are more than 25 ensembles and bands including jazz, folk, rock and dance, plus orchestras and choirs, with concerts and recitals throughout the year.

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Where next?

Planning your future As soon as you start in the Sixth Form, the further education and careers tutors will get in touch and start finding out about your interests and ambitions, helping you to decide on your next steps and to set your future plans.

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MORE THAN 90% OF STUDENTS PLACED AT FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY

It’s a fascinating way to discover more about yourself and where you want to be – they have an open door policy, so if there’s anything you want to talk through, there’s always someone with valuable experience and good advice.

There are visits from a careers agency and gap-year planners, administrators from universities, companies who recruit apprentices and a brilliant speed networking event every summer where you get a chance to talk to a selection of more than 100 mentors from just about every profession and industry you can imagine. It’s a great way to make contacts. Then there are workshops on specific professions, such as law, medicine or engineering, and trips to the City and individual companies or jobs fairs.

Work experience is a big deal, not just because it helps you to learn more about a potential career and the world of work but also because it shows future employers that you’re committed. Dauntsey’s can help with that too, if you’re struggling to find the right opportunity. They have contacts everywhere from art galleries to architecture, stockbroking or retail.

Finding the right degree You start looking at UCAS and potential degrees in the spring of the Lower Sixth and by the Upper Sixth you’re working on your personal statement and getting interview practice. There’s specific support for students interested in Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, because you have to get your applications in earlier.

And, if your grades aren’t what you’d hoped, then they’re there to help you find alternative degrees or universities through clearing.

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“ The brilliant thing about finding a career is it’s about you. They just help you to work it out for yourself ”

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Life-long community

The relationships forged throughout school, last far beyond your last day, and our Old Dauntseian community remains very much a valued part of the school family.

The Foundation Office continues to support its members as they move through the different phases of their lives be that through providing networking opportunities, reigniting lost friendships, or offering support.

7600 ALUMNI WORLDWIDE

There are also a number of events held throughout the year, both in the UK and abroad that all ODs are warmly invited to attend, and of course you are also always welcome to come back and visit the school.

As a school, we are also very grateful for the support that this community gives back. We frequently invite ODs to discuss their field of work and the pathway into their career, and to offer general career advice. This is something that is greatly valued by our Sixth Form.

15 OD EVENTS IN AN AVERAGE YEAR

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Charlie 2009-2014

Kat 1997-2004

Charlie left Dauntsey’s in 2014 and went on to study Business Management at Oxford Brookes University before ending up at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Upon commissioning in August 2020, he posted to 7 Para RHA where he currently serves. Outside of the military he has a keen interest in all things endurance; completing Marathon des Sables, a Channel Swim and is working towards an Atlantic row.

Kat is a Transformation Program Manager at PepsiCo, leading change across the UK Supply Chain. She also volunteers and competes in canoeing, a passion ignited at Dauntsey’s through the Devizes to Westminster (DW). She has completed ten DWs, is the current women’s record holder and part of the only all-female crew to ever podium in the senior race.

Chloe 2003-2009

Henry 2007-2012

Chloe is a Chartered Architect, working at Weston Wiliamson + Partners (WWP) in London, having studied Architecture at the University of Nottingham. She leads a team designing and delivering four residential schemes which will contribute to the London Borough of Merton’s housing targets.

Henry is the Creative Director at VonZipper, a Californian based eye wear company and part of the Boardriders Group, the world’s leading action sports company who own brands such as Quicksilver, Billabong and Roxy. A keen surfer, skateboarder and traveller, after leaving university, Henry worked for a number of action sports brands as a film maker and photographer.

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Joining Dauntsey’s

Around 30 places are available and entry is open to both boarding and day pupils. Prospective pupils should be predicted at least three Level 7 (or A grades) and three Level 6 (B grades) at I/GCSE. References and GCSE grade predictions from current schools are requested in November, when interviews are held, and conditional places are offered on 1 December each year. For those not taking I/GCSE, assessments will take place in early November.

We offer academic scholarships, sport, performing arts and boarding awards. With the exception of boarding awards, Sixth Form scholarships and awards are available for both day and boarding places. All awards and scholarships carry a maximum fee remission of 10%.

In addition, we operate a 100% bursary place scheme at the 16+ entry point. Please contact our Admissions Team for further information about the bursary programme.

Scholarship supplements are also available to those who have been offered a scholarship or award and who need additional financial assistance with the school fees.

Further details on our admissions process, scholarships and bursaries can be found on our website: www.dauntseys.org.

Helen Sullivan Head of Admissions h.sullivan@dauntseys.org +44 (0) 1380 814504

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Key dates for 16+ Entry (For exact dates please refer to the website) Registration deadline mid October Scholarship assessments beginning of November Academic scholarship exams and ad hoc exams mid November Entry interviews mid November Offers letter sent out beginning of December

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“ I feel very lucky to be here. Right from the beginning I knew I had made the right decision.”

Dauntsey’s School West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE T. 01380 814500 admissions@dauntseys.org www.dauntseys.org

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