This is for students with at least six A*’s and two A’s. A range of different programmes are available.
AQA Baccalaureate programme
New College Durham offers Gifted and Talented students the opportunity to enhance their career prospects.
The prestigious AQA Baccalaureate is a two year complementary qualification for gifted and talented students, which retains A-levels at its core. It is prized by universities and employers alike, since it focuses on both the academic and personal development of individual students, hence enhancing their prospects when applying for university places or entering the job market.
In their first year, Baccalaureate students must complete 100 hours of “enrichment activity” of two kinds, such as work-related learning, sport and music or community participation. In year two students must complete a mini dissertation style project on a topic of personal interest related to their subject interests and also study a more general AS in Critical Thinking. These elements should enhance their capacity for independent learning as well as promoting confidence, articulacy and other interpersonal skills with the ultimate aim of gifted students having the opportunity to fully develop their potential.
The conditions of the Baccalaureate programme include:
Minimum 95% attendance at College
Stretch and Challenge activities in each subject
Student Ambassador Duties
The Sixth Form Centre also implements a personalised and supportive tutorial programme which is tailored to meet AQA Baccalaureate student needs from both an academic and a pastoral perspective to ensure that their two years of study with us is a happy and productive experience.
If you are interested in joining the AQA Baccalaureate programme, then please indicate this on your application to the Sixth Form Centre.
If you would like more information on the AQA Baccalaureate programme, then please contact the Programme Co-ordinator Alan Galley or the Programme Tutor Andrea Houchen.
This programme is for students whose predicted grades are good enough to get them into either Oxford or Cambridge University. The group meets students from the universities and can attend residentials at the university to familiarise themselves with the study expectations and student lifestyle. Interview coaching is also available.
Durham Compact Scheme
The Durham Compact Scheme is a supported progression programme for level 3 learners. The aim of the scheme is to enhance the prospects of students who wish to apply to the University of Durham or indeed any other prestigious HE institution. Students apply to join the scheme and those successful will be offered a place on selected degree programmes including Law, English, Geography and Psychology.
Gifted and Talented Support Provision
All students at New College Durham are offered an outstanding support provision and Gifted and Talented learners are no exception. Students interested in any of the above programmes will have access to pre and post application workshops and one to one support specifically tailored to their individual needs to ensure that their chances of success are fully maximised. Parents and guardians will also be offered information and guidance from both New College Durham and the University concerned on each programme and how they can best support students in this process.