Mrs Vernon-Ward is responsible for academic excellence in the Sixth Form alongside its day to day running. She provides the managerial prowess and organisational skills necessary to lead nearly five-hundred students and is committed to delivering outstanding provision.
Sixth Form
Our Sixth Form Team at DESS College understands the pivotal moment students face as they transition from secondary education to the next stage of their academic and personal development. Our dedicated Sixth Form Team offers a diverse array of engaging and relevant options tailored to meet the unique aspirations and learning styles of each student.
Our bespoke academic programmes, rooted in the National Curriculum for England and Wales, include a mix of A-levels, BTECs, and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This allows students to craft a personalised educational journey that aligns with their future goals, supported by our seasoned subject specialists every step of the way.
Students are invited to collaborate with our Sixth Form Team to craft a curriculum that best fits their ambitions. Our rigorous assessment framework ensures personalized tracking of progress, facilitating a targeted approach to learning and development. This includes regular evaluations, initial assessments, and detailed feedback, ensuring students are well-prepared for university applications, apprenticeships, or direct entry into their chosen careers.
Our Sixth Form Centre is designed to cater specifically to the needs of our older students, offering a mature and dynamic environment that mirrors university life. It features a variety of study spaces, a communal lounge, wellness areas, and a modern gym, all aimed at fostering independence and holistic development. The Centre is a hub of activity and learning, reflecting our ethos of excellence and innovation.
At DESS College, we are committed to providing a Sixth Form experience that not only meets the highest academic standards but also prepares our students for a successful and fulfilling future.
Class of 2027 Open Evening
We would love to meet you!
Join us for our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 30th October between 1700 and 2000 at DESS College, Academic City.
Drop in at your convenience and catch a keynote speech, take a tour of our incredible facilities, visit Departments, meet our subject specialist teachers, and speak to our Sixth Form students.
If you have any questions, please contact our admissions team on +971 (0)4 360 4866 or email us at admissions@dessc.sch.ae
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Sixth Form Learning Pathways
The Sixth Form curriculum at DESS College is designed to cater to our diverse student body, offering a broad and dynamic range of pathways. Our curriculum is complemented by a Super Curriculum, aimed at ensuring students not only achieve academic success but also engage in enriching experiences.
The three main pathways are as follows:
Academic Pathway
Ideal for students inclined towards traditional academic study, featuring 24 GCE Advanced Level / A Level Qualifications. Students typically choose three subjects.
Vocational Pathway
Suited for students seeking practical, real-world application through 8 different BTEC/RSL Qualifications. Options include Sub-Diploma (single option) or Diploma (double option).
Mixed Pathway
A blend of A Level and BTEC qualifications, allowing students to customize their study program to best suit their future goals.
Academic or Vocational?
Academic
A Levels, examined after two years, are suited for students achieving at least a grade 6 at GCSE in their chosen subjects. Our results highlight the success of our inclusive approach, with a significant percentage of students achieving top grades.
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Vocational
BTEC and RSL qualifications offer continuous assessment without exams, focusing on coursework. Our vocational students achieve high grades, well above UK averages, reflecting our commitment to tailored educational pathways.
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Super Curriculum
Our Super Curriculum enhances our Academic and Vocational Pathways with opportunities including the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Maths Studies, Classical Studies, and Modern Languages. Each subject is designed to broaden students' academic horizons and support university admissions.
Bespoke Pathways
DESS College is proud to offer pathways tailored for Emirati students, those planning to study in Australia,
Arabic A passport holders, and academically gifted students. Each makes sure the transition from Key Stage
Four to Sixth Form is efficient.
Acutely Academic Pathway
For exceptionally gifted students, a four A Level pathway can be an option, subject to specific academic criteria.
Emirati Pathway
Tailored advice and guidance on Equivalency for Emirati families.
Australia Pathway
An AS in English Language is available for students aiming to study in Australia.
Arabic A Pathway
A distinct strategy supports students studying Arabic A and Islamic and makes sure timetables are manageable.
Our Sixth Form Team
Deputy Headteacher
Head of Sixth Form
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Academic Enrichment Manager
Head of Vocational Education
Transition Manager
Higher Education Co-ordinator
Year 13 Senior Student Manager
Head of IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance)
Academic Coaching Support
Sixth Form Parent Liaison
Sixth Form Receptionist
Sixth Form Learning Support
Lucy Petith
Lucy joined DESC in 2013 and is responsible for Staff Development and Wellbeing. With a rich background in leading initiatives on Social and Environmental Responsibility, she has been instrumental in orchestrating whole-school campaigns that engage students in global issues and encourage them to take meaningful action.
In 2018, Lucy launched DESSCares, a comprehensive initiative that includes Theme Weeks, fundraisers, and various events aimed at fostering awareness and driving positive change within the College and the wider community. DESSCares collaborates with Dubai Cares and United World Schools, supporting educational projects like the construction of a school in Cambodia.
Lucy's vision is to cultivate a 'Culture of Caring' at DESC that encompasses wellbeing, philanthropy, and service. She is dedicated to ensuring that both students and staff appreciate the importance of self-care, environmental stewardship, and mutual support, reinforcing the values of empathy and community engagement.
Keely Vernon-Ward
Kevin McLean
Mr McLean is responsible for providing exceptional pastoral care in the Sixth Form. He provides the experience and knowledge necessary to manage the behaviour and conduct of our young adults whilst also inducting new students and providing data analysis.
Sophie Munro
Sophie provides guidance and leadership to sixth form staff and students, helps with the design and delivery of sixth form events, promotes students’ personal development, and plays an important role in helping students prepare for life beyond school.
Peter Flynn
Pete is responsible for enhancing the curriculum. He co-ordinates the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), leads the Year 12 Prefects and co-ordinates the DESC Super-curriculum.
Matthew Davies
Mat oversees and manages all the different Vocational courses we offer, ensuring that students excel and enjoy their chosen courses and experience a wide range of work-based experiences.
Mitchell Burke
Mitch provides information, advice and guidance for students and their families across a wide range of topics. He leads the DESC Oxbridge programme and ensures that transitions between phases are as seamless as possible.
Christine Dunne
Christine oversees the transition of students from DESC Sixth Form to Higher Education. Holding appointments, leading workshops, organising speakers and proofing statements, she makes sure every student can access the specific guidance they need and advises of university applications.
Helen Cooper
Helen makes sure Year 13 students can access the best in pastoral care. As a mentor and coach, she works with students to remove barriers to their learning and build good study habits whilst also planning their Graduation and end of term celebrations.
Laura Reidy
Laura provides career support, guidance, and coaching to Sixth Form students. An important part of her role is making sure students who do not wish to pursue Higher Education are well equipped and prepared for the next stage of their journey.
Fiona Gibbs
Fiona provides a range of coaching and mentoring support, enabling students to build organisational and time management skills and self-regulate their own learning. Over time, this one-to-one support and guidance boosts student confidence and self-esteem.
Lisa Goodall
Lisa provides a crucial advice and information link between the school and parents. She plans a range of Sixth Form experiences, helps with the design and delivery of 6th form events, and promotes the personal development of sixth form students.
Sonia Rossetti
Sonia plays a pivotal role within the Sixth Form administrative team, serving as the primary point of contact for parents and managing student attendance. Best-known for her warmth and approachability, she creates a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that the needs of every Sixth Form family are met with care and attention.
Philip Arnold
Philip works with individual students requiring extra support and guidance. He predominantly interacts with small groups or works 1:1 and plays a major role in building student confidence.