Purpose of Intervention
Upper School Overview
A Pathway to Success at DBS
A Pathway to Success at DBS
The Upper School at DBS encompasses Years 7 to 13, offering pupils a dynamic and challenging academic environment that builds progressively towards university and life beyond school. Rooted in the British independent school model, the Upper School is designed to develop intellectual curiosity, independence, leadership, and strong moral character.
Years 7, 8 and 9:
Building a Strong Foundation for Future Success
Building a Strong Foundation for Future Success
In Years 7, 8 and 9, students experience a broad and balanced curriculum that deepens their subject knowledge while fostering skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Lessons are taught by subject specialists, ensuring depth of understanding and high academic standards across all areas, including the sciences, humanities, languages, and the creative and performing arts. These years provide an essential foundation for the demands of the examination years that follow.
Years 10 & 11:
Developing Excellence for Advanced Study
Developing Excellence for Advanced Study
Years 10 to 11 form the IGCSE phase, where students begin to personalise their academic journey by taking a combination of core and optional subjects aligned with their interests and future goals. This stage encourages academic rigour, self-discipline, and independent learning, all delivered by experienced, UK-qualified teachers who are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to pupil success.
Years 12 & 13:
Your A-Level Gateway to Global Universities
Your A-Level Gateway to Global Universities
In Years 12 and 13, students undertake the internationally respected A-Level programme, which allows for deep specialisation in subjects of their choice. Small class sizes, expert teaching, and personalised support ensure that each pupil is challenged and inspired to reach their full potential. Alongside academic study, pupils receive comprehensive university and careers guidance, including support for applications to leading institutions in the UK, the US, and across the globe.
All students are also a part of the Global Leaders Course and take the DBS Sixth Form diploma. These aim to develop the students’ personal and academic skills in order for them to meet the demands of life beyond school and make leading a happy healthy life a habit.
All students are also a part of the Global Leaders Course and take the DBS Sixth Form diploma. These aim to develop the students’ personal and academic skills in order for them to meet the demands of life beyond school and make leading a happy healthy life a habit.
Throughout the Upper School:
More Than Just Academics
More Than Just Academics
Throughout the Upper School, the academic programme is enriched by a wide-ranging co-curricular offering, leadership opportunities, and a strong emphasis on character education. Pupils are encouraged to become confident, compassionate individuals with a global outlook—ready to thrive in higher education and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
With this comprehensive and supportive structure, DBS ensures that students in Years 7 to 13 are equipped not only with outstanding academic qualifications but also with the character, confidence, and global perspective needed to succeed at leading universities and in life beyond school. At DBS we take our mission to develop great global leaders very seriously and strive to ensure all our students move always to greater things.
With this comprehensive and supportive structure, DBS ensures that students in Years 7 to 13 are equipped not only with outstanding academic qualifications but also with the character, confidence, and global perspective needed to succeed at leading universities and in life beyond school. At DBS we take our mission to develop great global leaders very seriously and strive to ensure all our students move always to greater things.
