DBS Senior School Brochure

SENIOR SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOOL

“ At DBS, we understand that every student is unique and has different needs, interests, and strengths. As such, we offer bespoke programs and personalised teaching and learning experiences that are tailored to each student's individual needs and goals.

Through our bespoke programs, we provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions in a supportive and nurturing environment. For example, we offer a range of activities and clubs that cater to a wide variety of interests, from music and drama to sports and community service. By participating in these programs, students can develop their skills and talents and pursue their individual interests

In addition, our teaching and learning experiences are designed to be personalised. Our teachers work closely with students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies that support their learning and help them to achieve their academic goals. By providing personalised feedback and support, we help our students to build their confidence, communication and commitment and develop a sense of ownership over their own learning.

Furthermore, we believe in providing a safe and supportive environment that encourages our students to take risks and to learn from their mistakes. We believe that this approach promotes resilience, persistence, and a growth mindset; all important qualities for developing great global leaders.

Overall, our commitment to bespoke programs and personalised teaching and learning experiences reflects our belief that every student has the potential to achieve great things. By providing individualised support and opportunities for personal growth, we are empowering our students to become the best version of themselves and to make a positive impact on the world; always to greater things….

Mr Richard Downs Head of Senior School

Journey to Universities

Year 9-13 students are on their pathway to university as we guide, nurture, prepare them to leave in their pursuit of higher education and future careers. The Seniors will journey through a well-structured comprehensive 5-year plan in a pathway to university, involving IGCSE courses, careers advice and assessment, networking and work experience, and university application.

At DBS, our students are given the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects taught by our experienced, highly qualified teachers, ably supported by the outstanding educational facilities that the school has and continues to improve upon.

SENIOR SCHOOL

IGCSE (Years 9-11)

Year 9

Year 9 is a crucial year for students in a British curriculum school as it serves as a transition period between Prep education and the beginning of IGCSEs. During this year, students are expected to consolidate and build upon the skills and knowledge they have gained in previous years, whilst also preparing themselves for the increased academic rigour and independence required.

In Year 9, students will typically be exposed to a wider range of subjects and have more opportunities to choose their own pathways in Term 1. Typically students at DBS choose between 8 to 11 IGCSEs. This depends on their goals and academic needs. We believe in academic excellence for all and excellence is defined by the nature of the student themselves and their subject selection is to allow them to explore their interests and identify their strengths, which will help them make informed decisions about their future academic and career paths. Therefore, it is important for prospective parents to encourage their children to take this year seriously and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Year 10

Year 10 marks the beginning of their IGCSE studies. During this year, students will begin to focus more intensively on their chosen subjects, preparing for the IGCSE exams that they will take at the end of Year 11.

In Year 10, students will be expected to develop greater depth and complexity in their understanding of the subjects they are studying, and to work more independently. They will also be expected to develop good study habits, such as time management and effective revision strategies, in order to succeed in their exams. Parents can support their children during this important year by encouraging them to take responsibility for their own learning and to seek help when needed. With the right support and effort, Year 10 can be a successful and rewarding year for students as they progress towards their IGCSE exams.

All students will take the core subjects of English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Thai (for Thai nationals). Additionally, the students can choose from the following optional subjects; Art and Design, Business, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Geography, History, ICT, Mandarin, Music and Physical Education. Students who excel at Mathematics will be given the opportunity to complete the final IGCSE exam in Year 10 and then, in Year 11, embark upon a Further Maths qualification which prepares them for the challenges of Further Maths and Maths A-Levels in the Sixth Form.

Year 11

Year 11 marks the end of their IGCSE studies by doing external exams. It also is the beginning of their preparation for A-levels. During this year, students will be expected to work hard and prepare thoroughly for their IGCSE exams. In addition, with the help of careers guidance counsellors, they will choose their A-Levels and therefore move a big step towards their lives beyond school.

In Year 11, students will be expected to show mastery of the subjects they have studied, with a focus on in-depth analysis and critical thinking. They will also be expected to manage their time effectively and develop strong revision skills to ensure they are prepared for the exams.

Parents can support their children by encouraging healthy habits such as regular exercise, good sleep patterns and healthy eating as this can help with concentration and focus. Finally, parents can help their children explore their post-secondary options and prepare for the next steps after IGCSEs. With hard work, dedication, and support, Year 11 can be a successful and rewarding year for students as they prepare for their future academic and career pathways.

A-Levels - The Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)

DBS is committed to providing its students with an outstanding education that prepares them for a successful and fulfilling future. The school's Sixth Form programme is designed to offer students a tailored, academically challenging curriculum that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in higher education and the workforce.

DBS's commitment to its students extends far beyond academics. The school places great emphasis on nurturing individuals who possess strong values and ethics, and who will go on to become great global leaders. DBS understands that the challenges of the modern world require individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively, and it is committed to providing students with the tools they need to meet these challenges.

SENIOR SCHOOL

One of the ways DBS achieves this is by offering a range of activities and community service projects. These opportunities allow students to develop socially responsible and culturally aware perspectives, and to give back to their communities. DBS also offers leadership opportunities, encouraging students to take on roles of responsibility within the school and beyond. All students in Years 12 and 13 are expected to seize these opportunities.

Additionally, DBS provides comprehensive university guidance and career services to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about their future. The school's ethos of 'always greater things' drives its students to continually push themselves beyond their limits, challenging themselves to achieve their full potential.

DBS offers its students a world-class education that goes beyond academics, providing opportunities for personal and social development, as well as comprehensive university guidance and career services. The school's focus on nurturing great global leaders and driving its students to achieve 'always greater things' ensures that DBS students are well-prepared for a successful and fulfilling future.

Why the British Curriculum

IGCSEs are the best preparation for A-levels, which are considered the gold standard of qualifications for university preparation. IGCSEs provide a comprehensive education across a broad range of subjects, which helps students identify their academic strengths and interests. This early exposure to a wide range of subjects prepares students for the in-depth study required at A-levels, where they will choose to specialize in three to four subjects.

IGCSEs also provide a rigorous academic program that challenges students to think critically and independently. These skills are crucial for success at A-levels, where students must engage in high-level analysis and research. Additionally, IGCSEs provide a strong foundation in core subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages, which are essential for success at A-levels and in university.

A-levels are considered the gold standard for preparation for success at university and in life after school because they provide a challenging and comprehensive education that develops a range of skills and knowledge that are essential for success in higher education and the workforce. They provide a high level of academic rigour and depth of study that prepares students for the demands of university-level study. A-levels are recognized as challenging qualifications and are required for admission to top universities and competitive degree programs.

In addition, A-levels allow students to specialise in three or four subjects at a deep and comprehensive level, providing them with in-depth knowledge and advanced skills in their chosen areas of interest. This specialisation helps students to develop a strong academic profile that sets them apart in the competitive university admissions process. They also develop a range of transferable skills that are essential for success in the workforce, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and independent study skills. These skills are highly valued by employers and are crucial for success in many in-

dustries. Students who complete A-levelsare wellprepared for the demands of university-level study and have a competitive advantage in the workforce; always to greater things….

The school constantly reviews its exam boards and currently follows curriculum from internationally recognised boards, such as Cambridge International, Pearson and Oxford AQA. For more information please request to see our IGCSE and A-Level booklets.

Careers

We believe that career guidance and support are crucial to helping students make informed decisions about their future. As such, we provide a comprehensive programme that includes impartial and unbiased advice, information and guidance. Our aim is to provide students with the tools they need to develop a broad understanding of the world of work, and an ability to respond to changing opportunities.

We encourage students to make the best use of the information, advice and guidance provided, both independently and with support. To achieve this, we offer one-to-one interviews with our careers counsellors who are experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in careers guidance. Our counsellors work with each student individually, providing personalised advice and support to help them explore their interests and career aspirations.

In addition to our careers counsellors, we also provide a personalised web-based software called Unifrog. This software enables students to access a range of resources and information to support their career exploration. The platform is designed to help students develop essential career skills promoted through our High-Quality Learning framework, values and skills and Global Leaders programme. It also helps students to successfully transition between year groups and develop enterprise and employability skills.

Our careers support programme aims to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and challenge stereotyped thinking. We engage in opportunities to work in partnership with employers, higher education providers and others to provide opportunities for students to engage in real-life contact with the world of work. Ultimately, our aim is to help students see career development as a life-long process and empower them to take charge of their future.

University Guidance Counsellors

DBS offers a personalised university counselling service that aims to equip both students and parents with the right knowledge and skills to access courses throughout the world. The service is designed to help students identify their strengths, interests and career aspirations, and support them throughout the university application process, while also offering guidance to parents on how to support the people in their care in making the right decisions to find the best match for their academic and career goals. It also provides guidance on the application process, including requirements, deadlines and submission procedures.

This support ensures that students and parents are well-informed and equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about the student's future. The counselling service helps students to develop key skills such as research, critical thinking, and writing, which are essential for academic success. This helps them to become independent learners, who can take ownership of their academic and professional development, with the support of their parents.

In addition to this, the counselling service also supports parents with the practicalities of studying abroad, such as visas, accommodation, and cultural adaptation. This ensures that both students and parents are well-prepared for the transition to university life, regardless of where they choose to study.

We are very proud of DBS's personalised university counselling service as an invaluable resource for both students and parents who want to access courses throughout the world. By providing personalised advice and support, the service helps students to make informed decisions about their future and equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed academically and professionally, with the support of their parents.

Our Houses System

At DBS, we believe in providing a holistic education for our students, and one of the key components of this is our House system, which is an integral part of school life, and we are proud to have four Houses –Buckingham, Windsor, Balmoral, and Sandringham.

The House system is designed to foster a sense of community and belonging among students, as well as to promote healthy competition and teamwork. Each House is led by a House Leader, who organises a range of House events and activities throughout the year, including sports competitions, debates, music and drama performances, and community service projects.

One of the main benefits of the House system is that it allows students to form close relationships with their peers, as well as with older students who act as mentors and role models. This helps to create a supportive and nurturing environment in which students can thrive both academically and personally.

Another advantage of the House system is that it provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills and take on responsibilities, such as organising House events or representing their House in inter-House competitions. This helps to build confidence and self-esteem, as well as preparing students for the challenges of adult life.

After School Activities (ASAs)

Participating in after-school activities is an essential component of a student's holistic development. It is important for senior school students to engage in these activities as they offer a range of benefits for students, including the development of skills and competencies that are highly valued by universities, employers, and society at large.

One of the primary benefits of participating in after-school activities is the enhancement of a student's overall well-being. Activities such as sports, music, and drama provide students with an outlet to express themselves creatively and emotionally, promoting good mental health and reducing stress levels. Additionally, activities can foster a sense of community and belonging, providing students with opportunities to socialize and form meaningful relationships. DBS is proud to offer schemes such as the International Award which brings together all these elements and encourages students to reflect on their activities and make their development a conscious process.

Participating in after-school activities also offers students the chance to develop skills and competencies that are transferable to other areas of their lives. For example, activities such as debate and public speaking help students develop strong communication skills, while sports and team-based activities promote collaboration and leadership abilities.

Furthermore, engagement in after-school activities can enhance a student's academic performance and prospects of future success. Universities and employers often look for well-rounded individuals with a range of interests and experiences, and participation in after-school activities can demonstrate a student's commitment to their personal and academic growth. The large variety of activities available provides ample opportunities for students to develop their thinking skills, interests, and creativity, as well as to promote their overall well-being. It is important for all members of the senior school to engage in after-school activities to enhance their academic performance, develop transferable skills and competencies, and demonstrate their commitment to personal and academic growth; always to greater things.