The D6 Core
The Downsend Sixth experience is designed to be unique, in that it offers a fully holistic approach to Years 12 and 13. All students will benefit from the D6 Core, which combines academic study with timetabled support, a focus on wellbeing through fitness, an opportunity to contribute to our community and develop essential leadership skills for the future.
In addition to the D6 Core, all students have access to the Future Ready programme, which hinges around our Global Impact Project, a life-changing programme that is designed to immerse students in real-world experiences around the globe.
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D6 STUDIES
We offer a broad range of A-Level and BTEC subjects, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals. A-Levels and BTECs can be combined, enabling students to choose a suite of subjects that suit their aspirations.
D6 ELECTIVES
Downsend is committed to shaping incredible people, and with that in mind we do not limit the curriculum to A-Level and BTECs in isolation. Every student will be asked to opt into one supplementary elective to broaden their experience, challenge themselves in areas outside or connected to their academic studies, and gain additional UCAS points.
Each academic year will begin with Year 13 presenting the outcome of their Year 12 elective experience to Senior School pupils in the Downsend Sixth Incredible Expo.
Elective options
The EPǪ (Extended Project Ǫualification)
An independent research project, akin to a university dissertation, on a topic of your choice. The EPǪ enables you to take a deep dive into a subject that interests you, is connected or different to your subject choices.
The EPǪ is recognised by universities and counts for an additional 28 UCAS points. Students will be supported to deepen their research skills, and will work with a mentor throughout the project.
Critical Thinking AS-Level
This AS-Level, developed by Cambridge International, is designed to allow students to demonstrate more sophisticated and mature ways of thinking.
Learning how to approach information and problems, how to break them down, understand, analyse and resolve them enables students to develop a toolkit that will set them apart for progression into university or professional employment. The final qualification is worth up to 20 UCAS points.
International Certificate for Digital Literacy
The ICDL is recognised as the international standard for digital skills in the workplace. Students will work through a number of modules acquiring advanced skills in MS Office productivity applications, with a particular focus on uses in the workplace. The final qualification is worth up to 24 UCAS points.
Sports Leadership
The Level 3 qualification in Sports Leadership is offered to students in Year 12 and will teach important life skills such as planning, communication, leadership and organisation.
Involving both guided, peer-to-peer and supervised leadership of sports activities, the qualification enables students to combine a passion for sport, with an opportunity to learn how to build and lead sports programmes for younger pupils or the wider community. The final qualification is worth 16 UCAS points.
Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability (OCR)
With input from The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and leading universities, the Level 3 certificate in sustainability allows students to explore the fundamental aspects of sustainability.
Through the development of specialist subject knowledge, students are encouraged to see positive ways of mitigating some of the pressing sustainability challenges faced by governments, organisations and individuals across the globe. The final qualification is worth up to 20 UCAS points.
D6 TUTOR
Every student is assigned a tutor, who they will meet with regularly for group and 1:1 meetings. The D6 Tutor will be a vital part of the Downsend Sixth experience, knowing and understanding the pupil, monitoring and supporting elective choices and participation in D6 initiatives and activities
They will monitor attendance, act as an advocate and help to access specialist support and guidance, as well as act as a referee for higher education or career next steps.
D6 COMMUNITY
A key part of the Downsend Future Skills vision is to foster a global perspective, and to us, that means that we must recognise the role we play as individuals in our local, national and global society. In both Years 12 and 13, every student undertakes a community activity for at least 1 hour per week.
This ranges from supporting younger learners to providing company or support to charitable organisations in our local area. Our commitment to sustainability and our environment will
extend into the sixth form with projects to support the local council, or environmental association in re-wilding, or clearing projects.
D6 WELLNESS
Downsend has long been known for its commitment to wellbeing through sport, fitness and movement in all its forms and this continues as a core part of the Downsend Sixth experience. Gym membership at Leatherhead Leisure Centre will be free to all our students (in our first two years) and will form the cornerstone of D6 Wellness. The gym offers strength and conditioning and bespoke training programmes, along with swimming, badminton, squash, table-tennis, group cycling and access to the Outdoor Fitness Space.
We are committed to maintaining Downsend’s proud sporting heritage from launch and a fixture list of team and individual sports, including football, hockey, netball, rugby sevens, cricket, tennis and swimming will be provided, along with increased opportunities to participate in squash, badminton and table-tennis.
D6 LEADERSHIP
Downsend is known for shaping incredible people, and fostering the skills that help to build and maintain successful teams. D6 Leadership is approached on both a group and individual level as these two approaches are vital in a rapidly changing world. All students will be asked to apply for a leadership position during their time at Downsend Sixth.
They will receive a role description, suitable training and will be responsible for consulting with peers, listening to ideas, building and organising programmes and proposing and delivering change, with support from their D6 Tutor.
Leadership opportunities will include: Student Voice rep, Digital Ambassador, House Captain, Drama Lead, Music Lead, Art Lead and STEM Lead.
D6 FUTURES
These are timetabled sessions that are set aside to explore personal skill sets and onward pathways. They are dynamic sessions, led by the leadership team, tutors or visiting experts:
English Speaking Board Examination
The Level 3 qualification enables students to build and develop their public speaking, debate and communication skills to an extremely high standard. Building clarity of communication and an ability to express thoughts simply, sincerely and persuasively, students will give themselves an exceptional head start in an increasingly competitive world.
The final qualification is worth up to 30 UCAS points.The Level 3 qualification enables students to build and develop their public speaking, debate and communication skills to an extremely high standard. Building clarity of communication and an ability to express thoughts simply, sincerely and persuasively, students will give themselves an exceptional head start in an increasingly competitive world. The final qualification is worth up to 30 UCAS points.
Personal strengths analysis
Unifrog skills audit and VIA Character Strengths analysis
Personal Finance
Budgeting and managing your money
Higher Education support and guidance
Choosing a university, UCAS, Student Finance, Open Day planning.
Career support and guidance
CV writing, Careers Fairs, Internships and Placements.
Study Skills
Independent study and meta-cognitive approaches.
Time Management
Using tools and devices effectively
Relationships
Maintaining old friendships, building new ones, knowing yourself and finding your tribe.
Introduction to MOOCs (Mass Online Open Courses)
Mass Open Online Courses, offered by global universities, are designed to offer students access to learning resources across a wide range of subject areas. MOOCs will offer Downsend Sixth student flexible access to additional learning, allowing them to explore new subjects, deepen knowledge in their field, and gain extra credentials to enhance personal statements and CVs.
Wellbeing and Resilience
The importance of sleep, nutrition and managing your mental health.
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