Welcome to Dawlish College.
It continues to be an absolute privilege to be the Headteacher at Dawlish College – the staff and students are second to none and take all of life’s challenges in their stride. Despite current uncertainties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to hold onto our core purpose in all that we do. Behind all of the decisions taken and measures put in place sits the balance between keeping staff and students safe whilst also providing them with a varied and exciting school experience.
Dawlish College is a vibrant and exciting place to be, where we have the highest expectations of staff and students alike and seek to provide challenge at every available opportunity. As a small school, we have a very proud record of holistic support, care and individual attention: the happiness and well-being of our students is of paramount importance and is a vital foundation for their growth and development. Our college has an atmosphere of creativity and positivity that is generated by the provision of excellent opportunities for every individual thereby maximising the outcomes and improving the life chances of the young people in our care.
As a parent myself, I understand that you want your child to be inspired, supported and challenged to be the best version of themselves within an environment that knows them and values them as an individual. Thank you for entrusting me with the care and education of your child, present or future, and I look forward to unlocking their ambitions as I get to know them and work closely with you.
S Banks
Headteacher
At Dawlish College you spend two years studying for GCSEs and so option choices are made by you in Year 9 ready to begin in Year 10. This is a significant advantage for you as you are able to focus on the subjects that you are interested in and will have the time to fully develop your skills, knowledge and understanding prior to sitting your GCSE exams at the end of Year 11.
However, we also understand that selecting your options could be the first major decision that you have made. We therefore support you in a wide variety of ways from mentoring and advice in tutor time, options assemblies, an options evening and one-one advice from our Raising Achievement Team if required.
Our goal is to balance your needs and desires with your long-term best interests. There are several pathways through GCSEs and onto further education. All students will study for GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Maths, Religious Studies and Science. All students take PE as a core (non-examined) subject. You will then be guided towards one or more of the following pathways:
• PATHWAY 1- students follow separate science and choose 3 further options. It is advised that one of these is from humanities and or a language. If choosing a language and a humanity, this will also qualify as an EBacc qualification.
• PATHWAY 2- The English Baccalaureate (or EBacc) pathway allows students to choose 4 options which must include one humanity and one language.
• PATHWAY 3- This pathway is similar to pathway 2 where students can choose 4 options but must include at least one humanity or language.
It is advised that students wishing to go onto Higher Education should consider taking Pathway 1 or 2 (inclusive of taking a Language and Humanity as part of the Ebaac qualification)
The Guide to Options is a really useful resource and the relevant dates can be found here.