Sixth Form

Sixth Form

Why choose our School?

Darrick Wood Sixth Form offers its students a wealth of opportunities to prepare them for the next stage of their education or for their first steps into chosen careers. A wide range of subjects are taught by experienced, enthusiastic subject specialists. Extra and super-curricular activities, the development of leadership skills and an ethos of high achievement combine to ensure our students are prepared well to excel in life beyond school.

The Sixth Form has a proven record of success. Consistently high numbers of students achieve the top grades and most subjects record a 100% pass rate. The high standards expected across the rest of the School continue in the Sixth Form and first class facilities are provided for the exclusive use of Sixth Form students. The Sixth Form offers a challenging but supportive environment which ensures individuals can excel whilst feeling part of a community where all are aiming to do their best.

Post 16 Offer
For our Post 16 students we offer:
  • An enviable record of across A level and BTEC success
  • Highly qualified subject teachers
  • A wide range of super curricular activities
  • Personal Form Tutors trained to support individual students and to monitor their academic progress
  • Large Study Halls and collaborative workspaces which are also open before and after school
  • Opportunities for personal development
  • Extensive support with next steps after Sixth Form
  • Fitness Suite available to students
  • Dedicated Sixth Form Cafe
Opportunities
Opportunities

Sixth Form students are highly valued as positive role models for younger students and are our best ambassadors in the local community. We encourage all of our Sixth Form students to take on leadership roles which include; Prefects, Senior Prefects, Mentors and leaders of clubs and societies.

We also provide various enrichment opportunities such as a volunteering scheme, effective study workshops, the Aiming High programme and externally funded opportunities.

Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements

The School will make available sufficient places in Year 12 to allow the transfer of all Year 11 Darrick Wood students who meet the published entry criteria for the courses they wish to study. The School will in addition offer a minimum of ten places to external applicants who must meet the same published entry criteria for the courses they wish to study. Students not offered a place will have the statutory right of appeal. Places will be allocated in the following priority order:

  • Children looked after and former looked after young people who meet the published criteria (see definitions in our current Admissions Criteria policy).
  • Students transferring from Year 11 who meet the published criteria for the courses they wish to study.
  • External applicants who meet the published criteria for the courses they wish to study.

Subjects

  • Art, Craft and Design
  • Art & Design: Textiles Design
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Drama & Theatre
  • DT: Product Design
  • Economics
  • English Literature
  • Film Studies
  • French
  • Further Mathematics
  • Geography
  • Government & Politics
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy & Ethics
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Spanish

Other Level 3 Courses

BTEC Business, AAQ BTEC in Early Childhood Development, Food Science and Nutrition, AAQ BTEC in Health & Social Care, AAQ BTEC in Information Technology, AAQ BTEC in Medical Science and BTEC Travel & Tourism.

These courses offer a qualification equivalent to A level. They often focus on coursework as the main form of assessment.

To find out more about the subjects we offer, please download the course guide below

Download Course Guide

Higher Education & Apprenticeships

For more information please click on the links below.

For more advice and guidance on Higher Education and Apprenticeships click here

To apply for student finance click here

What is the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund?

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund was introduced in March 2011 to support the most financially disadvantaged young people to participate in and benefit from post-16 education and training. The purpose of the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is to:

  • Support and retain students
  • Promote a positive attitude to learning

The Bursary Fund is NOT to promote our school in favour of other instituions

Students must by under 19 years of age at the start of the academic year.

You could receive a vulnerable bursary if you are assessed as being in one of the following four defined vulnerable groups:

  • In care
  • Care Leaver
  • In receipt of Income Support or in receipt of Universal Credit
  • In receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or in receipt of ESA and a Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You can apply for a discretionary bursary if you are not eligible for a vulnerable bursary but you need financial help to stay on in further education or training. Darrick Wood School will decide whether you will receive a discretionary bursary, how much you could get, and what it should be used for.

When a student applies, their parent/carer will be asked to provide recent written evidence i.e within the last 3 months, of their current qualifying income such as:

  • P60 Certificate (PAYE Certificate of pay and tax deducted)
  • Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit Award Notice (if employed)
  • Income based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income Support award letter
  • SA302 form (notice of tax calculation from the HMRC)
  • Self-employed: certified accounts

  • Receipt is dependent upon the student meeting standards set by the School in areas such as attendance, behaviour and meeting deadlines
  • The money will be paid into the student’s bank account

If you do not agree with the School’s decision you can contact the Deputy Head Teacher in charge of the Sixth Form who will consider your appeal or may convene an Appeal Panel.

Further information on the 16-19 Bursary Fund can be found on the Gov UK website here

Sixth Form Dress Code

Sixth Form students are expected to set a good example to the rest of the School and must dress according to the guidelines set out below.

Basic Principle

In interpreting the guidelines, students should ensure that their overall appearance is smart and appropriate to both a school and a formal business environment. It is by discretion of the Senior Leadership Team as to whether a student’s dress is deemed smart.

Identification Badges

The identification badge must be worn using the Darrick Wood School lanyard. Badges are also required as proof of entry to external examinations. Lost badges must be replaced and will be charged for.

Dress Code Requirements

  • Formal suit – tailored jacket with full-length trousers or skirt of at least knee length.
  • Shirt with tie or formal blouse.
  • Plain jumpers, cardigans or waistcoats under the jacket.
  • Tailored dresses worn with a suit jacket.
  • Socks or plain tights.
  • Smart formal shoes.
Sixth Form students in formal dress

Unacceptable Items deemed as inappropriate in a school or formal business environment include:

  • Sheer, low-cut or ‘strappy’ tops with bare shoulders
  • ‘Strappy’ dresses
  • T-shirts
  • Sweatshirts / hoodies
  • Denim attire of any colour
  • Shorts or dungarees
  • Leggings / jeggings
  • Large or bulky jumpers
  • Graphics or large logos
  • Trainers, Converse, Vans etc.
  • Ugg boots or sandals
  • Excessive jewellery or body art
  • Unnatural hair colours
  • Beards must be kept neat and groomed
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