At The Ripley Academy, we are proud to offer a curriculum that not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the National Curriculum. Designed by Mrs. Tollervey, our carefully sequenced curriculum provides a comprehensive framework to ensure that every student is well supported in all areas of personal growth. This ambitious approach reflects our commitment to nurturing remarkable individuals who demonstrate ambition, pride, and commitment in all aspects of their Personal Development.
Year 7
Managing Change (SMSC & CAREERS)

Life Beyond School – An introduction: Students will be able to recognise how transitions in their lives can have an impact on them. Students will begin to think about their future and what career they would like.
Read MorePuberty & Body Development (Statutory Health)

Puberty and body development: Students will start to learn and understand what puberty is and what this can look/feel like. Students will be able to name parts of the reproductive system.
Read MoreFriends, Respect & Relationships (Statutory Health & RSE)

Students will know what ‘consent’ means and how important this is. Students will be able to describe what makes a good friend and explain why some relationships aren’t positive.
Read MoreStaying Safe online and offline (Statutory Health & RSE)

Staying safe online and offline: Students will learn about the dangers of society both on and offline. They will know the dangers of online gaming, drugs and alcohol.
Read MoreCelebrating differences (Citizenship; PSHE; British values)

Celebrating differences: Students will understand how they can help break down stereotypes and understand what the equality act is.
Read MorePolitics & Parliament (Citizenship; British values)

Politics and parliament: Students will understand why parliament exists and why it is important.
Read MoreYear 8
Proud to be me. (SMSC & Careers)

Students will learn what a career is and investigate their job interests. They will understand how social media can impact their self-esteem.
Read MorePhysical health and mental wellbeing (Statutory health; PSHE)

Students will discuss what mental and physical health is. They will look at what body image means and how this can impact them.
Read MoreIdentity, relationships and sex education (Statutory health & RSE; PSHE)

Students will learn about contraception and what a healthy relationship looks like. They will also study gender identity and sexual orientation
Read MoreDangerous society online and offline (Statutory health & RSE)

Students will understand the dangers of substance misuse and how cyber-bullying and online grooming is dangerous.
Read MoreEquality and diversity explored. (Citizenship; PSHE)

Students will be able to recognise the signs of homophobia and discuss how to challenge this. Students will also understand how we can support people in the LGBTQIA+ society
Read MoreLaw crime and society (Citizenship; British Values)

Students will understand how to best make decisions and how laws are made in the UK.
Read MoreYear 9
Essential life skills (SMSC & Careers)

Students will learn about saving and managing money and the importance of this. They will look at how online pressures can lead to stress
Read MoreBody confidence (Statutory health; PSHE)

Students will investigate self-esteem changes and how they can notice this. They will also learn about different types of bullying.
Read MoreSex, the law & consent. (Statutory health & RSE; PSHE)

Sex, the law, and consent: Students will know what consent is. Students will learn about FGM and the law, and STIs.
Read MoreLegal & illegal drugs (Statutory health)

Students will learn about different types of addiction and learn about different illegal substances. Students will learn what a ‘party’ drug is.
Read MoreContraception & STIs (Statutory health & RSE)

Students will learn about terrorism; how we can spot signs of radicalisation and what counter terrorism is.
Read MoreCombatting extremism & terrorism (Citizenship; Prevent)

Students will learn about terrorism; how we can spot signs of radicalisation and what counter terrorism is.
Read MoreYear 10
Rights & Responsibilities (Careers; Citizenship)

Students will learn about consumer rights and targeted advertising. They will also gain an understanding of marriage and what it means.
Read MoreMental Health & Wellbeing (Statutory health; PSHE)

Students will learn how social media plays a role in their mental health. They will understand ‘screen time’ and how this can affect them
Read MoreExploring Relationships & Sex Education (Statutory health & RSE; PSHE)

Students will learn about campaigns against FGM. They will understand the difference between porn and real life. Students will learn the signs of domestic abuse.
Read MoreViolence, Crimes & Seeking Safety (Statutory health)

Students will learn about honour-based violence, forced marriages, and online gambling. They will learn how to keep data safe.
Read MoreExploring World Issues (Citizenship; PSHE; Human Right)

How international aid works. They will learn about the ‘Me Too’ movement and women’s rights.
Read MoreExploring British Values (Citizenship; British Values)

Students will learn what ‘fake News' is and how to spot this. They will look at rights in the UK.
Read MoreYear 11
Adult Health & Looking After Yourself (Statutory health; PSHE; Wellbeing)

Screen Time
Mental health Illnesses
Emotional Wellbeing
Sexual Health (Statutory health & RSE; PSHE)

Campaigning against FGM
Sexting and Nudes
Porn and its Impact on Society
Unhealthy Relationships
Sexualisation of the Media
Staying Safe (Statutory health)

Screen Time
Emotional Wellbeing
Instagram & TikTok Generation
Targeted advertising and your data
Your Future and Beyond (Careers)

Targeted advertising and your data
Rights and Responsibilities
Consumer Rights
Employment Rights
Exploring a paycheck