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Sixth Form Curriculum

We offer a broad range of subjects, with 20 A Levels and the BTECs in Business and in Sport taught in our Sixth Form, so there really is something for everyone. There are a number of A level subjects available exclusively in Sixth Form, such as Business, Economics, Politics and Psychology. We therefore teach the traditional humanities and science subjects alongside the social sciences and subjects with a more practical element, including Art & Design, Drama & Theatre, and Music.

We offer a free range of options and then construct our option blocks and timetable based on pupils’ submitted choices, so we try to cater for almost all desired combinations.

Some A levels have GCSE grade requirements, as shown on page 23 in our prospectus, while our staff discuss choices and subject combinations with pupils to help them choose the right set of options for them.

Sixth Form pupils choose two, three or four subjects to study during Years 12 and Year 13.

We offer a broad range of subjects and qualifications so that each pupil can design a personalised curriculum which will best allow them to fulfil their potential both at Key Stage 5 and in their future studies and careers.

View Our Sixth Form Prospectus

A levels

Pupils can opt to study for A level qualifications in 24 different disciplines which cover the arts, the humanities, and the natural, physical and social sciences. The subjects currently available are:

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Civilisation
  • Computer Science
  • Design Realisation
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Economics
  • English Literature
  • French
  • Further Mathematics
  • Geography
  • German
  • History
  • Latin
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Religious Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Spanish

BTEC options include:

  • Level 3 National Diploma in Business
  • Level 3 National Diploma in Sport
  • BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport

To find out more about our curriculum visit:

DURHAM SCHOOL A-LEVEL CURRICULUM

Extended Project Qualification

All Sixth Form pupils are also able to complete a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is equivalent to half an A level. This is a pupil-led, independent research project, designed to develop pupils’ research, study and project management skills, as well as their knowledge of a chosen topic.  Pupils work with a chosen supervisor to produce either a 5,000-word written report or an ‘artefact’; the latter may take many forms, from a piece of artwork, to an engineered product, a script, or a piece of creative writing. The EPQ is well-respected by UK universities and can often result in a reduced acceptance offer.

In addition to their main studies, Sixth Form pupils also:

  • have sports training three times per week
  • attend Life and Wellbeing Education (LWE) classes
  • have the option to join Learning Support or EAL sessions as necessary. This includes preparation for the IELTS exams required for non-native English speakers to enter UK universities
  • may take a qualification in their native language if this is not English
  • spend time with their tutor on a daily basis
  • have fortnightly Careers lectures or workshops
  • attend weekly Chapel services
  • access to our vast OD network

View Our Sixth Form Prospectus

A message for families affected by the closure of Durham High School

We understand that this will be a difficult and uncertain time for many Durham High School pupils, families and staff as they consider the next steps for their education and future.

If your family has been affected by our neighbour school (Durham High School) closure, and you would like to discuss the options available to join our school, our Admissions Team is here to offer guidance, answer your questions and provide support in a confidential and compassionate manner.

Whether you are seeking information about places, transition arrangements, transport, scholarships, bursaries or simply wish to talk through your circumstances, we would be pleased to help.