Curriculum and Learning

The objectives of our marking strategy are to:

• Enhance learning by providing meaningful feedback to both students and teachers.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner, informing future work.
• Ensure frequent and regular feedback.
• Incorporate Assessment for Learning within lessons, empowering students with the knowledge to improve.

Through these comprehensive assessment practices, DESS College is committed to fostering an environment where teaching and learning are continuously refined, supporting every student's journey towards academic excellence and personal growth.

A Levels

Our Sixth Form is aligned with the British Curriculum, offering GCE Advanced Levels (A Levels). Our status as a large, well-established Sixth Form enables us to provide a wide array of subject choices. A Levels are assessed through examinations after two years of study, with grades ranging from A*-U. For the academic year 2022/2023, 48% of DESC A Level grades were A or A*, and 75% were A*-B, figures that significantly surpass UK averages. This success underscores our expertise in delivering exceptional Post-16 education.

A Level Subjects available:

• Arabic
• Art
• Art Photography
• Biology
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Design Technology: Product Design
• Economics
• English Language
• English Literature
• French
• Further Mathematics
• Geography
• History
• Information Technology
• Law
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Spanish

Vocational: RSL (rock School London)

In November 15th, DESS College became the first school in the world to be accredited as an International Centre of Excellence by Rock School London (RSL), the provider of contemporary vocational qualifications in music, performing arts and creative digital media.

Launched in 1991, RSL Level 3 Awards are offered to teachers and students in 50 countries as an alternative to A levels and BTEC. The programme’s alumni include music celebrities Jess Glynne and Ed Sheeran.

Each of the vocational and technical Awards programmes is designed for students seeking a flexible and highly personalised qualification that equips them with the practical skills needed to flourish in a contemporary creative career. They are popular among aspiring musicians, actors, dancers, performers, and sound technicians.

Though Key Stage 5 students at DESS College are no strangers to RSL’s Level 3 CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) and MUSPRA (Music Practitioner) Diploma programmes as A-Level alternatives, this is the first year in which they have replaced A-Level Drama and Music respectively, at DESS College. CAPA modules include Acting Workshops, Acting for Camera, Ensemble Dance and Acting through Song. MUSPRA modules include Musical Theatre, Music Technology, Sound Engineering and Backstage Management.

Each Vocational Qualification (VQ) has been developed in collaboration with industry professionals and earns students UCAS points; the entry currency used by British universities and colleges. Other RSL VQ paths include television company apprenticeships, recording contracts, and live sound work.

Students who might otherwise have studied for A Levels or BTECs find the VQs flexible and practical, and GCSE Drama and Music students enjoy the step up to a Level 3 course that allows them to create a bespoke programme of study to suit their individual talents and interests. It’s this flexibility that sits behind DESC’s astonishing record of every Level 3 CAPA and MUSPRA student having achieved a Distinction* over the past four years during which we’ve offered the VQs as A-Level alternatives. Last year, the MUSPRA VQ scored the highest value added across all our A Level results at DESS College. We are quietly confident that we will enjoy similar success again this year.

In terms of outcomes, but BTEC and RSL pathways have consistently produced outstanding results, enabling students to access a wide range of top-tier universities. The coursework demands are high, but the potential for excellent results is significant, offering students a broad spectrum of higher education and career opportunities.

There are two Level 3 RSL courses to choose from:

• RSL Level 3 CAPA - Creative and Performing
• RSL Level 3 MUSPRA - Music Practitioners

Outcomes:

Both our vocational pathways have led to outstanding results, with students gaining access to prestigious universities and competitive courses worldwide. The comprehensive nature of BTEC and RSL qualifications ensures that DESS College students are well-prepared for success in higher education and beyond.

Careers

DESS Careers, led by Miss Reidy (Head of Information, Advice and Guidance) supports and guides Year 9 students in choosing their GCSE subjects. As part of their careers journey, all students in Years 9-13 at the College have a Unifrog account. This platform is a one-stop-shop which gives students unlimited access to a wide range of resources to support with careers and university research. Some of the functions available to students include:

• Psychometric testing based on interest, personality, and skills. These assessments help to increase student’s self-awareness and guide them in selecting subjects for GCSE and post-16, degrees, and careers pathways.
• Massive online open courses (known as MOOCs) which can be used to supplement learning outside the curriculum.
• Regular webinars with careers, industry, and university experts across the globe.
• Articles, podcasts, and other media presentations which students can filter according to the subjects they are studying and their personal interests.

In Year 9, Unifrog is launched with the students during tutor time as part of their Career Conversations week. Students begin by completing the psychometric testing, the results of which are recorded in their Character and Careers Conversation Journal. Form tutors then use this to structure their 1:1 Careers Conversation and refer any students who need further support to Miss Reidy. Future focused careers lessons also take place during GROW lessons where the use of Unifrog is further embedded. Additionally, the annual British Careers Week, which takes place during term 2 is another excellent opportunity for students to engage with and explore future careers pathways.