Ask any teacher and they will tell you that the word “change” is endemic in education. It is frequently talked about as a concept that we must embrace, often in relation to phrases such as “a changing world”, “new global citizens” or “developing the leaders of tomorrow”.
These are of course valid aspirations, but they tend to place emphasis on an abstract sense of scale, both of time and geography, and sometimes fail to be inspired by what is already there, the students in the here and now.
Embracing its unique context of British and international influences, DLD College London recognises that young people come to us with different experiences, views and aspirations for education. We have learned that it is not change that is needed, but a closer ear to current needs.
Our first hand collective experience has identified the key foundations of knowledge and skills that young people need to be successful in the UK’s increasingly international and competitive environment.
“DLD College recognises that young people come to us with different experiences, views and aspirations for education.”
Our Year 9 programme has been built from the ground up, on a foundation of contemporary academic research, the work of pioneering professors, experienced teachers and educational leaders, and the students themselves.
The DLD Year 9 programme has several core principles:
- Academic rigour in literacy and numeracy
- Importance of knowledge as a basis for conceptual thinking
- Interdisciplinary learning and understanding
- Application of digital literacy
- Learning through inquiry and decision-making
- Real world Project Based Learning (PBL)
- Early guidance on careers-thinking and professional development
- Development of personal and professional integrity
These core principles require students to develop multiple skills which are specifically taught throughout the programme, and key attributes which they develop as individuals. These are known collectively as the DLD Learner Profile which reflects who DLD students are, and importantly, who they become.
DLD recognises that education must be both contemporary and future thinking, in order to prepare students for the increasing variety of courses and learning opportunities available to them.
“Alongside maths and English, students study thematic courses which are interdisciplinary in their approach.”
The DLD Year 9 programme focuses on the core learning that students need, by studying mathematics and English at depth, to support the levels of numeracy and literacy that are required across all other subjects. Students then study thematic courses which are interdisciplinary in their approach. These courses aim to build complex skills which students are able to carry across traditional Year 9 subjects, as well as contemporary ones, for example in Digital Futures which covers topics such as cryptocurrency and NFTs.
As pioneers, DLD embraces contemporary academic research on Project Based Learning (PBL), dedicating one day a week to escaping the classroom for the DLD Urban Schools Project (USP). This bespoke, inquiry-led programme enables students to get involved in the community in which they live, while developing their research, inquiry, reflection, and decision-making skills.
DLD students have the opportunity to take action, to make authentic changes to their own lives and that of others in the community in the process of the USP. The only question is, how far are they willing to go with this opportunity? DLD provides the tools, but the outcome is firmly in the hands of the student. A unique opportunity to follow a real passion and thrive.
“We embrace contemporary academic research on Project Based Learning”
Students don’t all fit into one mould of learning and so the variety of traditional and contemporary courses that we offer reflects our commitment to providing quality education for diversity, leadership and development. As students finish their Year 9 Programme, DLD’s new suite of courses is open to them for Year 10 and 11.
As well as being able to select up to 10 traditional GCSE subjects, exciting new BTEC courses such as Esports, Sports Management and Business Enterprise are also on offer. Students can even create a bespoke curriculum for themselves by mixing and matching both GCSEs and BTECs over the two-year programme. The choices on offer grow wider still for A-Levels, BTECs and International Foundation Programmes in Years 12 and 13.
At each step of the journey students are supported by award-winning wellbeing provision, dedicated careers and guidance teams, and extra-curricular activities.
The DLD Year 9 programme is the first step into an exciting world of learning.
To find out more about DLD College London, go to www.dldcollege.co.uk
