GCSE Resits Required? Check DESC's Custom Solution

If your GCSE results have arrived and they're not what you'd hoped, all is not lost. Dubai English Speaking College's (DESC) new ‘Foundation Year,’ is an innovative year long 'bridging-programme' of supported resits and tailor-made courses, set to prepare students for Grade 11 the following year.

WhichSchoolAdvisor.com spoke to DESC’s assistant headteacher in charge of sixth form- Roger Hancock to find out more about this innovative new programme.

What are the components of the new DESC 'Foundation Year' course?

Our objective here at DESC is to provide a suitable academic pathway for all our students, regardless of their academic profile. This year 42% of our students gained A*-A at A2 and an academic pathway following A level is our most popular route. 

Unfortunately, there are always some students who do not gain the minimum GCSE entry criteria needed to access Level 3 courses.

We do not want to reject any student at the end of Year 11 and believe that students should not be steered onto courses that are unsuitable for them. We believe the Foundation Year along with the A level and BTEC options already available means we now offer appropriate pathways for all students.

The aim of the Foundation Year is to allow students the opportunity to enhance their academic profile, thereby enabling them to access Level 3 courses next year.

This will be achieved by creating GCSE re-sit classes in English and Maths and creating BTEC Level 2 courses in a range of subjects (ICT, Business Studies, Sport). Students will also be provided with Study Skill Support sessions and Careers Guidance.

The year will be tailor-made for the individual and will prepare them for their chosen A Level or BTEC Level 3 course the following year.

Who do you see as the ideal candidate for the course?

Any student who has not gained the equivalent of at least 5 GCSE passes at grades A*- C.

Do you think the new format English and maths GCSEs introduced this year will mean more students in are looking for this type of solution than in previous years?

It's difficult to say until we are able to analyse the results.

There may be discrepancies and confusion as to which level (number) relates to a C grade but we will not use this stringently to determine Foundation Year students. The experienced teachers at DESC will use their subject expertise and will be a part of the process in advising Foundation Year students. 

Other educational institutions may strictly adhere to GCSE grades to determine Sixth Form places, therefore there may be more students finding themselves unable to meet the published entry criteria for courses perhaps. 

Are you still accepting applications for this year’s ‘Foundation Year?’

We will be opening our brand new Sixth Form Centre in September, with outstanding facilities to support our Sixth Form students. As a result, we can offer places to external students who wish to join us for September 2017.

If students are unsure of their future once the GCSE results come out, feel free to contact us here at DESC and we will try and design the best academic pathway for them.

How do external students apply for the ‘Foundation Year’ course?

Any parents/students who want further details about the Foundation Year or any other Sixth Form course, in A level or BTEC, for this September can contact the Sixth Form Team by e-mail: sixthformsupport@descdubai.com . We are still accepting applications and our team will be in college every day and will respond promptly to requests.  

Parents requesting an application for September 2018, will follow the normal application procedure by going to our website:  http://www.descdubai.com/visitors/desc-admissions/