UPPER SCHOOL

In the Upper School at DESS, encompassing Year 6, 7, and 8, students undergo a transformative journey marked by growth in confidence, a deepening passion for learning, and a heightened sense of global responsibility. As they progress through these crucial years, students are challenged to reach their full potential, ensuring they are well-prepared for their transition to the senior school of their choice. As a smaller community school with a family ethos, DESS provides a nurturing environment where each child's strengths are recognised and fostered, allowing them to flourish academically, personally, and socially.

As part of the Upper School experience, students in Years 7 and 8 undergo a significant transition, marked by a change in uniform that distinguishes them as senior students. This change, along with access to cafe facilities and a dedicated Common Room, provides students with a sense of ownership and independence as they navigate their way through these formative years. Additionally, DESS offers enriching overseas school trips that broaden students' horizons and deepen their understanding of different cultures, providing invaluable opportunities for personal and academic growth.

In Years 7 and 8 at DESS, students have access to numerous leadership opportunities, including roles such as Head Boy and Head Girl, Prefects, and House Captains—positions typically reserved as privileges for older students in other schools. This emphasis on leadership not only empowers students to take ownership of their school experience but also fosters valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and responsibility. Furthermore, there are high expectations for behaviour in Years 7 and 8, with students serving as role models for their younger peers. Through a clear 'Behavior for Learning' approach, students are supported in meeting these expectations, equipping them with essential social skills for their transition to senior school at the age of 13.

In the Upper School at DESS, students are not only academically prepared for their progression to senior school but also equipped with essential life skills and experiences that will serve them well beyond the classroom.