Sixth Form
Learning at Arbor
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Ecological Approach
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Scholarships
A Levels, BTEC qualifications, university guidance and a Sixth Form experience shaped around each student’s academic strengths and future plans.
Arbor School offers a British Sixth Form education in Dubai for students in Years 12 and 13, combining A Level and BTEC qualifications with specialist teaching, personalised university guidance and Ecoliteracy.
Students follow academic or vocational pathways suited to their strengths, interests and ambitions, supported by experienced teachers, dedicated pastoral care and individual Futures Counselling.
Alongside their qualifications, students participate in Arbor’s Global Impact Certificate, Branching Out Programme, leadership opportunities and enrichment activities. They undertake independent research, gain experience through service and projects, and take an active role in the wider school community.
Sixth Form Results
Our first graduating cohort achieved strong academic results across A Level and BTEC qualifications.
- 100% A Level pass rate
- 48% A Level grades A*-A
- 80% A Level grades A*-B
- 63% BTEC Distinction* or Distinction
University Offers and Destinations
Our first graduating cohort received:
- 200+ University offers across 16 countries
- AED 27.5m+ University scholarship offers
- 100% Secured a place at their first-choice university
Students received offers across a broad range of subjects and professional pathways, reflecting their individual interests and ambitions.
Arbor’s Futures Counselling provision supports students throughout the university application process, from identifying suitable courses and institutions to preparing applications and making final decisions.
A Level and BTEC Pathways
Sixth Form students select qualifications that reflect their academic strengths and plans for university, further study or employment.
Students typically study three subjects in depth over two years, with a fourth subject considered in individual circumstances.
Our A Level offering spans mathematics, sciences, humanities, business, languages, creative arts and technology. Specialist teachers provide subject expertise, academic challenge and guidance as students prepare for examinations and further study.
Our Level 3 BTEC pathways combine subject knowledge with applied learning and assessment.
Students can pursue vocational qualifications in areas including Business, Sport and Hospitality, with opportunities to progress to university, further education or employment.
Where subject combinations and timetabling allow, students can combine A Level, AS Level and BTEC courses.
Sixth Form leaders, subject teachers and the Futures Counselling team work with students to identify appropriate combinations based on their previous attainment, interests and intended destinations.
Sixth Form Subjects and Options
| Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics A Level | Physics A Level | Chemistry A Level | Psychology A Level |
| Global Perspectives & Research A Level | Art & Design A Level | Business A Level | Design Technology A Level |
| Sociology A Level | Biology A Level | French A Level | Economics A Level |
| Spanish A Level | History A Level | Geography A Level | English Literature A Level |
| Vocational Options | |||
| Sport Level 3 BTEC Sub Diploma | Business Level 3 BTEC Sub Diploma | Hospitality Level 3 BTEC Sub Diploma |
Futures Counselling and University Guidance
Planning for life after Sixth Form is an important part of the Arbor experience.
Our dedicated Futures Counselling team works individually with students to identify university courses, qualifications and career pathways that align with their academic profile, interests and ambitions.
Guidance covers subject selection, university research and shortlisting, entry requirements, applications, personal statements, scholarships, interviews and alternative pathways, including apprenticeships and employment.
Students also have access to university fairs, visits, careers events, industry speakers and digital planning tools, including Unifrog.
Families are involved throughout the process, with opportunities to discuss university choices, applications and future plans.
The Global Impact Certificate and Branching Out
Ecoliteracy remains an important part of learning throughout Arbor Sixth Form, providing opportunities for students to examine relationships between ecological, social and economic systems and consider how their knowledge can inform action.
Through Level 2 of Arbor’s Global Impact Certificate, students participate in the Branching Out Programme, combining research, service learning and practical experience with their academic studies.
Across four terms, students select pathways aligned with their interests, strengths and future plans. These may include approved internships, external programmes, school-based projects and community initiatives.
As part of the programme, every student completes a service-learning project, identifying a need within the school or wider community and planning an appropriate response.
Students document their experiences through an evidence portfolio and complete a viva voce presentation, reflecting on their learning, decisions and contribution.
Students may also choose to complete an Extended Project Qualification as Level 3 of the Global Impact Certificate.
Working independently with the support of a supervisor, students investigate a topic of their choice and produce a dissertation, investigation, performance or artefact.
The EPQ develops research, critical thinking, academic writing and project-management skills that support the transition to university-level study.
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Sixth Form brings greater independence, academic demands and important decisions about the future. At Arbor, students receive individual guidance and support throughout Years 12 and 13.
Every Sixth Form student has a specialist tutor who provides regular guidance and a consistent point of contact. The wider support network includes Sixth Form leaders, counsellors, the Thrive Team and medical staff.
Our pastoral programme incorporates Positive Education, Relationships, Social and Health Education, and Moral, Social and Cultural Education.
Students examine topics including emotional regulation, healthy relationships, physical and mental wellbeing, managing pressure, decision-making and the responsibilities that come with greater independence.
The emphasis is on helping students manage their academic commitments, maintain healthy routines and develop the confidence to seek support when needed.
Leadership, Enrichment and Student Life
As the school’s senior students, Sixth Formers are encouraged to take responsibility and contribute to the Arbor community.
Opportunities include student councils, House leadership, sports leadership, mentoring, environmental initiatives and service projects. Student leadership training is informed by the Student Leadership Challenge®.
The Arbor Enrichment Experience provides further opportunities through competitive sport, performing arts, Model United Nations, academic societies, creative activities and community engagement.
Students can participate in activities that complement their qualifications, develop existing interests or introduce them to new areas of study and experience.
Explore the Arbor Enrichment Experience
Sixth Form Learning Spaces
Sixth Form students have access to dedicated study and social areas alongside specialist facilities across the Secondary campus.
These include science laboratories, art and design facilities, music technology and recording studios, the library, sports facilities, and Arbor’s biodomes and living-campus environments.
Dedicated Sixth Form spaces provide areas for independent study, group work and time with peers. Students also use specialist facilities for practical coursework, research, creative work and subject teaching.
Read Our Sixth Form Prospectus
Discover more about Sixth Form life at Arbor, including subject options, academic pathways, university guidance, student wellbeing and enrichment opportunities.
Join Arbor Sixth Form
Whether you’re continuing from Arbor Secondary or considering joining us for Years 12 and 13, our team can help you understand the available qualifications, subject combinations, entry requirements and application process.
Visit Arbor School to meet our Sixth Form team, see our learning spaces and discuss the academic or vocational pathway that best suits your plans.
