Learning Support
Our student-centred approach with a family feel nurtures the skills required to be competitive and confident – supporting, advising, and guiding students on their chosen paths.
Dukies are guided to achieving the very best academic grades possible, emerging stronger, wiser, and ready to embark on their ‘next steps’ at a variety of stunning destinations, such as Russell Group universities.
Support Available
Our academic support takes the following forms:
All students are allocated their own personal Tutor and meet with them regularly. These are members of the teaching staff who are affiliated with a Boarding House and track the progress of the students under their care. Tutors often spend additional time with students as and when necessary to help them with their work.
Prep (homework) is given to students to enhance class work and academic projects. Students have allocated time every evening to undertake prep work within a classroom setting. House staff and Tutors are on hand to assist.
Every student is given a school laptop which can be used in lessons and in the Boarding House to complete their work. Students are responsible for the safe use, charging, and storage of their laptops. Desktop computers are also available within Boarding Houses.
As a state boarding school, the government pays for the education, so all applicants must have the right to access state-funded education.
This means that we welcome English as an Alternative Language (EAL) students into Years 7, 8, and 9. To complete GCSE or A-Level examinations, EAL students over the age of 15 are required to have at least a ‘good’ level of verbal and written English.
The ‘Pupil Premium’ is additional funding given to raise the attainment of disadvantaged students, and to close the gap between them and their peers.
The ‘Service Pupil Premium’ is also received which is designed to help the School to provide mainly non-educational support (i.e., pastoral care) for the children of service personnel.
Download our Pupil premium strategy statement
Revision is crucial for students as it reinforces learning, enhances understanding, and aids in the retention of information. By revisiting and reviewing material covered in class, students can identify and address areas of weakness, solidify their knowledge, and build confidence in their abilities. Furthermore, revision helps students prepare effectively for assessments and exams, enabling them to recall key concepts and apply them in a variety of contexts. Ultimately, consistent, and thorough revision is essential for academic success as it allows students to maximise their potential and achieve their goals.
GSCE Revision
To aid GCSE students in their preparation for summer examinations, staff develop comprehensive study and revision programme to undertake over the Easter holiday period.
This revision material offers general advice on effective revision techniques and provides tips for creating revision resources. Students are encouraged to utilise these resources alongside their class notes and subject textbooks.
A Level Revision
To support A Level students, our subject teachers develop revision specifically tailored for A Level and BTEC Examinations. These guides offer comprehensive advice on both general revision techniques and exam preparation strategies, including tips on creating effective revision materials. It is recommended that students utilise these guides alongside resources available on exam board websites, in conjunction with their class notes and textbooks, to optimise their preparation efforts.
An essential step to academic success, is a strong partnership between students, school and home. The school ensures parents have access to various data regarding their child’s academic journey, as well as regular communication with staff, through the SIMS Parent app.
