A-level grades which enable a student to reach the university of their choice and pursue their preferred career are a key focus at all times at Duff Miller. Whether conducting a two-year sixth-form programme or a short retake limited to one term, we aim to maximise our students' chances of exam success with an intense concentration on the skills required for sitting the all-important exams. A comprehensive system of monitoring and feedback ensures that any potential problems in achieving the desired grades are swiftly identified.
Lower sixth Programme
Our introduction to the lower sixth is designed to bridge the problematic gap between GCSE and A-level which often comes as a shock to students. This programme is delivered by tuition in small groups and has four key elements:
The study-skills element focuses on basic recall tasks and a range of different styles of learning.
The mathematical-skills-for-science element focuses on the essential mathematical skills necessary for A-level science including chemical calculation and graphic presentation.
The essay-skills element concentrates on structure, style and expression and is a vital course for all students studying humanities and social sciences.
The ICT-skills element focuses on short cuts, graph plotting, spreadsheets and database construction.
Examination practice papers (EPPS)
We believe that regular practice offers the best possible preparation for exams and the Duff Miller system of EPPs has been crucial to our success over the years. Practice exams lasting one hour and using questions from past papers, are set fortnightly (weekly for short-retake candidates) and are taken under exam conditions. This regular simulation of the experience of sitting exams builds confidence and a sense of familiarity with the exam process, as well as offering the teacher a chance to keep track of their students' performance.
The EPP results are carefully assessed and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action is then considered. The whole system is designed to ensure that students, teachers and parents alike are given an accurate and up-to-date impression of how the student is progressing.
Performance and attendance monitoring
As well as the highly effective system of exam practice, which ensures that all relevant parties are made aware of the students' performance from week to week, reports are also sent each half term to parents or guardians. These give a clear picture of the students’ progress and enable us to highlight their strengths and weaknesses.
Attendance is of course closely monitored and, if a student is absent without permission, parents can expect to be informed on the same day.
Mock Exam Programme
As well as the regular schedule of practice exams, a full programme of mocks takes place at the end of the first term for the January exams and at the start of the third term for the summer ones. These mock exams precisely mirror the students’ exam entries, and their results are analysed with the aid of the chief examiners' mark schemes.
Results
The results for the January exams are published in March and those for the summer exams appear in late August. UCAS has automatic access to an individual's score so that candidates who have met their offers can be sure assured that their place in their chosen institution is secure.
For those who have not achieved their desired grades, the college offers help with all aspects of the clearing process. The Principal, Vice-Principal and Head of Careers are on hand to give advice and help with any additional references or letters to universities that may be necessary to facilitate the acquisition of a place through clearing.
