Sixth Form

The Sixth Form years should be two of the most important, interesting and rewarding of any student’s school career.  You have the freedom to study subjects that excite you, have a more informal and fulfilling relationship with teachers, make firm friendships, take part in many interesting co-curricular activities and play an important role in the whole school community.  All of this whilst also being fully supported and guided towards exciting future university or apprenticeship and career outcomes.

Pupils in the Sixth Form at Dunottar benefit from:

• Individually tailored teaching and support – small class sizes and our personalised approach
  allow every pupil to work in a way that best suits them and achieve their potential
• Close monitoring and high levels of contact time which enables pupils to achieve the best
  outcomes
• More than just A levels – we offer a diverse range of opportunities to develop their interests,
  learn new skills, have fun and build confidence
• Becoming role models to our younger pupils and being encouraged to contribute fully to school
  life – they are leaders, ambassadors, mentors and buddies
• 90% of pupils reach their first-choice university – outstanding levels of support with UCAS
  applications and university selection, ensuring pupils make the best choices for their future
  pathways. Routes to apprenticeship for those looking to go straight into the world of work
• An exciting enrichment programme with Level 3 Sports Leaders award, ASDAN Certificate of
  Personal Effectiveness and Extended Project Qualification
• A dedicated, state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre with quiet study rooms, collaborative work
  areas, social spaces, Pelican café and recreational room with pool table

Sixth Form Life

Watch our latest video to hear from Sixth Form pupils about life in the Sixth Form and their aspirations for the future.

Small Teaching Groups

Studying for A Levels provides students with academically rewarding opportunities to identify and develop their own interests by studying in-depth the subjects they enjoy. Learning at this level involves a greater level of interaction in classes and a closer relationship with teachers making for a stimulating environment.  Dunottar’s small teaching groups enable every student to be fully involved in lively and interesting discussions about the topics being studied.  Students are encouraged to develop their skills as independent learners within a secure framework of support, guided by their subject teachers and their personal tutor.

Exciting Enrichment Options

Students can choose from a variety of enrichment options. The nationally recognised Sports Leadership Qualification uses sport to help students develop leadership skills through coaching others and teaches essential life skills such as strong communication and organisation skills.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) not only earns you UCAS points, but also teaches critical thinking skills and develops your study skills for higher education.

The ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness enables students to practise, develop and demonstrate six important skills that are required for success in higher education, training or employment.

The Accreditation in Languages for Business provides a practical and authentic application of French or Spanish in today’s workplace.

Our co-curricular programme offers a wide range of interesting opportunities for Sixth Form students, from the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award to Podcast Club. Students also benefit from taking the lead in whole school drama, music and sporting activities.

Leadership Opportunities

Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic work. Our Sixth Form students act as role models to our younger pupils and as ambassadors for the school. As well as developing their own skills and interests, many Sixth Formers benefit greatly from undertaking a variety of leadership initiatives including founding and running clubs to leading school events; helping to plan assemblies to coaching sports clubs. Such opportunities provide invaluable experiences for a student’s development and confidence and for being able to demonstrate to future employers their leadership potential.