A Beacon College of Excellence

 

In November 2006 Sir John Deane’s was awarded Beacon status by the Learning and Skills Council in association with the Department for Education and Skills.  Beacon status provides public recognition of excellence and innovation in colleges.  This prestigious award celebrates colleges that deliver outstanding teaching and learning and are well led and managed.  Beacon status is a fitting tribute to the hard work and high standards not only of Sir John Deane’s staff but of our students. 

 

 

Students are identified as being gifted and/or talented during their AS year. This is based on their GCSE points score and/or the potential they demonstrate in their AS Level subjects.  SJD’s is committed to ensuring that such students are supported, inspired and challenged to ensure that they maximise their potential and that, as with all our students, their achievements are celebrated. Opportunities for extension work are built into all our schemes of work and we also offer a range of clubs and societies; partnerships with secondary schools; opportunities for trips; visits and performance; master classes; national schemes; competitions and olympiads; visiting experts and specialist speakers.

 
The College also offers additional extra learning opportunities to make sure that such students develop and extend their abilities and which help differentiate them from other students when it comes to applying for university:

 

• Students who achieve a minimum of 3 Bs in their AS Levels are encouraged to complete The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in the Upper Sixth. The EPQ allows students to investigate a topic that interests them and then produce a single piece of work (4,000-6,000 words) that presents their findings. This process equips them with skills such as planning, research, analysis and evaluation which will stand them in excellent stead, both in university and the workplace. A further advantage is that it generates the same UCAS points as an AS (more in fact as if an A* is achieved it attracts 70 points). However, it is not AS Level because the standard of work is expected to be at least A2 and maybe higher. 

 

• Academically able students are also encouraged to become involved in the Open University’s Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme (YASS). They are able to choose from a wide range of short first year undergraduate modules (10 credits), alongside their AS/A2 studies. This scheme encourages independent learning, builds confidence and allows students to experience what it is like to study at university level. 

 

 

Sir John Deane’s has a longstanding relationship with Oxford and Cambridge, both of whom welcome applications from the College. 

 

Our Oxbridge process aims to support suitable applicants and offers thorough preparation and guidance at both the application and interview stages.  For further information, please see the Careers Department.