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Sixth Form

Sixth form

How to apply

How to apply

Application process | Admissions criteria
Sixth form prospectus

View our current sixth form prospectusApplication process for Dane Court Sixth Form

  • Study the prospectus in detail. (A new prospectus will be uploaded soon.)
  • Apply via Kent Choices by the 26 January 2024
  • Attend an interview during term 4 to discuss your chosen programme and subject options and to ask any questions you might have.
  • Attend our sixth form taster days in term 6, after your GCSEs examinations. This will give you a clearer picture of life in the Sixth Form as well as providing you with the opportunity to meet your new Tutor group and attend a series of subject tasters. This is a valuable opportunity to clarify your programme of study and to make any changes
  • Attend your admissions interview the day after GCSE results day (22 August, 2024) to enrol and finalise your subjects choices.
  • Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions regarding the application process.

Admissions criteria

IBDP

  • GCSEs: At least 6 grade 6s, 3 grade 5s
  • A grade 6 is required to study a subject at higher level with the following exceptions:
    • Mathematics: at least a grade 8
    • Modern foreign languages: at least a grade 7

IBCP

  • GCSEs: At least 3 grade 6s, 3 grade 5s
  • A grade 6 is required to study a subject at higher level with the following exceptions:
    • Mathematics: at least a grade 8
    • Modern foreign languages: at least a grade 7

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Welcome to Dane Court sixth form

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A warm welcome to our co-educational Sixth Form at Dane Court Grammar School

Outstanding IB Results and Destinations 2023
Read more here.

Curriculum overview and intent

Students at Dane Court Grammar School can choose to study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), or a bespoke course.

Our International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum pathways are world-class, knowledge-rich, internationally-recognised programmes which are highly valued by leading universities and employers.

The IBDP and IBCP are unparalleled in their breadth and flexibility, meaning that students can choose a combination of subjects which is tailored to their unique ambitions and interests. The breadth of the curriculum also enables students to make inter-disciplinary connections between subjects and areas of knowledge– a highly sought after skill in today’s increasingly competitive world. There is good reason why these qualifications are found in some of the most expensive independent schools and the most successful international schools in the world. Compared to A-levels, the IB develops students to be more independent, more open-minded and more likely to successfully complete their undergraduate studies (University Admissions Officers' Report, 2017).

The IB programmes are different from A Levels because they:

  • encourage students to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • develop independently of local and national systems, incorporating quality teaching and learning methods from research and the global network of schools
  • encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
  • develop multilingual students
  • develop independent research skills to help students thrive at university

IBDP

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FAQ: The IBDP

  • Do I have to study for the full IBDP? +

    If you feel that the full DP does not meet your needs then you can discuss a bespoke programme with us.

  • How much homework will I have? +

    You can expect around 3 hours homework for a Higher Level subject and 2 hours homework for a Standard Level subject.

  • Does the IB use coursework for assessment? +

    The IB courses all contain coursework that is referred to as Internal Assessments or IAs.
    The amount of coursework in each subject varies but you will see full details in the prospectus.

  • How does the IB grading system work? +

    Each of the six subjects is graded out of seven. The Extended essay and Theory of Knowledge are combined to give up to three core points. The total diploma score is therefore a maximum 45 points.

  • Can I study more than three highers? +

    It is not possible to study more than three higher level subjects because there would not be time to study the three standard level subjects and the core.
    Also there isn’t a requirement for this for university study.

  • Can I take three sciences? +

    P1010810 200pxBecause of its emphasis upon breadth, the International Baccalaureate diploma does not allow a student to take three sciences.
    Chemistry and one other Science or Maths are standard subject requirements for UK medical schools.

  • How will studying the IBDP lead me to top university destinations? +

    The IBDP is regarded as a world-class gold-standard qualification by leading universities in the UK, the US and across the world. 96% of our applicants received offers from their first-choice universities in 2023.

    Research has shown that IB students are more likely to excel in their degree course than A level students, as they have been so well prepared for the rigours of academic life whilst studying in the sixth form.

  • How will studying the IBDP help me with applications for medicine/veterinary/dentistry? +

    Medical schools recognise the value of the IBDP in allowing students to study knowledge-rich Science and Maths courses in addition to developing their communication skills and critical thinking – which are crucial attributes for a doctor. We also offer an Emerging Medics programme at Dane Court comprising work placements, entrance test practice and guest speakers.

  • Can I apply to university if I am not doing the full IBDP? +

    Yes. You will accrue points from all the subjects you are taking and universities will accept a combination of IB subjects as long as you meet their academic entry criteria.

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Sixth form life at Dane Court

Supercurricular Opportunities and Leadership

Emerging Lawyer Programme

Includes mock trial competition, LNAT preparation workshop and trip to Canterbury Crown Court.

Oxbridge Programme

Includes mock Interviews, entrance test practice, 1-1 mentoring, supercurricular talks and support with summer schools.

Emerging Medic Programme

Includes work experience opportunities, entrance test practice, mock interviews and guest talks from medical professionals.

Apprenticeship Programme

Includes apprenticeship fair and workshops and 1-1 support with applications and interviews.

Leadership

A range of leadership roles are available including Head Student Team, House Captains, peer mentors and anti-bullying ambassadors. Student leaders gain valuable skills in communication, public speaking, organisation and event management.

Sport

sports 250pxA wide range of sports is available including netball, soccer, hockey, rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball and trampolining.
Competitive sport is available at 1st XI Soccer, 1st XV Rugby and 1st XI Cricket levels. Under 18 Netball, Hockey, and Badminton fixtures are also available, determined by demand.
We are affiliated to many of the major sports associations which allows those with particular prowess to be put forward for county trials.We also have links with the Golf federation and regularly enter school competitions.

Whatever your interests, the Dane Court P.E. Department will do their best to accommodate you.

Trips

DSC 1345 1200pxOur sixth form students have the opportunity to attend many subject and extracurricular trips. Ranging from West End musicals, subject specific trips such as the Juniper Hall Geography Field Trip, Stratford English trip as well as language exchanges, and the famous New York Trip.

 

 

Volunteering

IMG 4592 250pxThe IB mission is to develop compassionate lifelong learners, this is developed through the Creativity, Action and Service and Service Learning programmes on the IBDP and IBCP respectively.  Through these programmes our students are provided with many opportunities to volunteer and run projects in the local community for example; National Citizenship Service, Margate Arts Club and The Zone Youth Club Broadstairs.  

International students

overseasEvery year we welcome into our sixth form a number of students from abroad. They are often here to combine studying for an internationally recognised qualification with the opportunity to develop their skills in the use of the English language. But they always prove to be a great addition to our community; injecting fresh perspectives into both social and academic activities. There is no doubt that our home-grown sixth formers benefit enormously from the participation of the overseas students.

IBCP

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FAQ: The IBCP

  • What subjects make up the IBCP? +

    You will chose a career-related subject and some IB diploma subjects that will compliment it, providing you with a well rounded education.
    This combination of subjects will prepare you for university, apprenticeships or employment.

  • What are career-related subjects? +

    Career-related subjects are traditionally called vocational subjects in England, our students study from the BTEC Nationals, Cambridge Technicals and AQA Technical exam boards.

  • Why do I study DP subjects? +

    Maintaining academic study will maintain academic rigour that is important for continuing learning and reflection as well as providing the opportunity to go to university if you want to.

  • What is the IBCP Core? +

    The IBCP Core is made up of the following elements:

    - Personal and professional skills - This is developed by Dane Court to ensure the development of students study and employability skills.
    - Service learning - Students plan and deliver a project to solve a social issue in the local community.
    - Language development - Students engage on a course of cultural enrichment, this includes learning language and investigating cultural practices.

  • Is work experience available to me as part of the IBCP? +

    All students who study on the IBCP have 12 days of work experience.
    You are interviewed and matched with a quality work experience placement that provides you with tasks and responsibilities that reflect your career-related learning.
    We are the only school in East Kent to offer this experience as part of sixth form life.

  • Can I go to university if I follow the IBCP pathway? +

    Yes, we have many students who go to university with the IBCP, including Russell Group. We ensure that students are on a programme of study that supports this option.

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Sixth form news
Article Count:
14
Academic
Details of the Dane Court sixth form application process and information about subjects and study.
Article Count:
1
Higher education
Information and advice to help you decide the next steps after your time in the the sixth form.
Article Count:
3
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