We have a full range of subjects within the Sixth Form, designed to help you achieve your aspirations. Please see our Taster activities to help you decide which subjects to study.
A full list of our subject entry requirements can be found here:
Course summary
Year 12 / Year 13 Students start the year by completing a foundation skills project. This leads into the Personal Investigation which is 60% of the final grade – Project determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
Year 13 Externally Set Assignment 40% of the final grade – Preparatory study followed by a 15 hour examination period. Set by the exam board, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of coursework and externally set assignment is assessed internally and then assessed externally by AQA.
What careers would this course be useful for?
This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where a good grounding in Art and Design skills are required. With a qualification in Art and Design you could go on to further Education studying Fine Art, Three Dimensional Design, Graphic Communication, Photography and Fashion and Textiles.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Hart- ahart@ripleyacademy.org
Mr Goddard – cgoddard@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year One: Module 1 Development of practical skills in Biology, Module 2 Foundations in Biology, Module 3 Exchange and transport, Module 4 Biodiversity, evolution and disease.
Year Two: Module 5 Communication, homeostasis and energy, Module 6 Genetics, evolution and ecosystems, in addition to Modules 1-4.
How will I be assessed?
The A level is assessed via three written papers in June of Y13 that cover modules 1-6, i.e. content from Y12 and Year 13.
The Practical Endorsement is fundamental to the biology course, based on a portfolio of evidence of your practical scientific competence.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Biology you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Biology/Applied Biology or other related subjects such as biochemistry, science journalism or biotechnology. It is essential for medicine and environmental science.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr W. Brown wbrown@ripleyacademy.org
Miss E. Leafe eleafe@ripleyacademy.org
Course Summary
Food Science and Nutrition combines 1 written examination with 3 coursework units.
Year 12 – BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition – equivalent to half an A level
Year 13 – BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition – equivalent to a full A Level
Over view-1 written examination in year 12 on nutrition and then 3 coursework assignments. One controlled assignment in year 13 on food hygiene and safety – assignment task given and then 3 weeks to produce the assignment
Year 12 – Food Science and Nutrition Certificate
Unit 1 – Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Specific Groups – CORE – written examination and practical coursework combined
90 minute examination plus 15 minutes reading time -Total of 90 marks
The paper is graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction
Topics are – Understanding the importance of food safety 14-22 marks, understand the properties of nutrients 14-22 marks, understand the relationship between nutrients and the human body 22-31 marks, be able to plan nutritional requirements 22-31 marks.
1 Coursework topic / set assignment – “A Chef from the local community provides learners with a selection of recipes and methods that are used in his establishment. Learners have to work in groups to produce orders of work for each recipe that an apprentice could follow, which pay absolute detail to critical control points and hazard prevention. Learners review the outputs and the menus and assess their nutritional value for different specific groups.”
Total = 80+ UMS points required / aiming for distinction
Year 13 – Food Science and Nutrition Diploma
Unit 2 – Ensuring Food is Safe to Eat – CORE – 80+ UMS marks – Distinction
An 8 hour timed supervised assessment
“Learners could undertake a role play activity based on the outbreak of a food borne infection, which has been traced back to a particular restaurant. Different learners or groups of learners would undertake different roles, such as local environmental officers, staff at the restaurant, owners of the restaurant etc. Each group would need to assess how the outbreak could have been caused and develop an action plan to prevent any further outbreaks. Environmental Health Officers could provide learners with facts about the restaurant, such as the type of food that was being prepared, the storage conditions etc. and review their ideas.”
Unit 3 – Experimenting to Solve Food Production Problems – OPTION – 80 + UMS marks – Distinction
A practical and written based assignment
“Learners could work with a major catering organisation asked to tender for the catering of a major event, such as a gala dinner for the sponsors of the Grand Prix. The organiser wants all high quality home made products but the catering manager is concerned how to ensure high quality sauces are achieved. Learners will need to consider the variables involved in the production of sauces that may be served as accompaniments to dishes and carry out experiments to determine which options would be valid. They present their conclusions to a team preparing the tender.”
For further information please contact Mrs L Bishop on email Lbishop@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Pearson BTEC Level 3, National Extended Certificate in Sport, is a combination of vocational and academic study, taking two academic years to complete and is equivalent to 1 A level. The learning content of our BTECs is built around National Occupational Standards, which is why BTECs are recognised as valuable qualifications by the Standard Setting Body (SSB) and Sector Skills Council (SSC). This means that you can trust that studying a BTEC will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for further study, higher education, training and employment.
How will I be assessed?
The course involves 4 units:
What careers would this course be useful for?
BTEC level 3 are the equivalent of studying A-levels, and provides access to degree programmes at University, apprenticeships, further training and employment, not just within the Sports sector. Many of the skills and knowledge gained are transferable and well recognised within industry and education. This course is ideal for anyone considering a future career where a good grounding in physical education and Sports Science is important. It provides a route into potential employment, such as teaching, coaching, personal training, physiotherapy, recreation management, police, armed forces etc.
Who can I contact for more information?
Miss Illingworth: lillingworth@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Module 1 Development of Practical Skills, Module 2 Foundations in Chemistry, Module 3 Periodic Table and Energy, Module 4 Core Organic Chemistry, Module 5 Physical Chemistry and Transition Elements and Module 6 Organic Chemistry and Analysis.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of the OCR Chemistry A Level course is by three examinations in the May/June of Year 13 plus a non-examined practical assessment.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Chemistry or one of the other sciences or related subjects such as chemical engineering, materials science or biotechnology. It is essential for the medicine, pharmacy and environmental science. Chemistry is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions.
Who can I contact for more information?
Miss R. Hayter: rhayter@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Y12 Two components are studied in Year 12
1. Written exam, 50% of total, which tests the students’ knowledge and understanding of computing principles. 2. Written exam, 50% of total, which tests students’ problem solving skills needed to apply the principles from the first unit.
Y13 Three components are studies in Year 13
1. Building upon knowledge from Year 12 Written exam, 40% of total, which tests the students’ knowledge and understanding of computing principles. 2. Written exam, 40% of total, which tests students’ problem solving skills needed to apply the principles from the first unit. 3. Practical programming project, 20% of total. Non-exam assessment conducted in class drawing on the knowledge gained throughout the course.
How will I be assessed?
Written examination and internal project assessment. The exam units are in June.
What careers would this course be useful for?
This course is ideal for any student considering a future career where a grounding in Computer Science is required. Many of the leading IT businesses such as Google are demanding more and more staff to have programming skills due to the growth in this area of business. Computer Science will therefore be beneficial for many careers that require programming, including; Web Developer, Cyber Security Analyst, Systems Analyst, Games Developer, Computer Systems Engineer, IT Technician, Armed Forces and many more.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr. Hudson: chudson@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
The GCE Drama and Theatre Studies specification is designed to provide a balance across a range of learning activities. Students will develop and apply an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre. Throughout the two years, students will explore texts, participate as a theatre maker and understand and experience the collaborative relationship between various roles within theatre.
How will I be assessed?
| Component 1: Devising |
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40% |
| Component 2: Text in Performance |
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20% |
| Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice |
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40% |
What careers would this course be useful for?
Students completing the course successfully could help lead onto Further Education. Careers in Drama Teaching, Lecturer, Drama Therapist, Actor/Actress, Stage/Set designer and many more.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Forster: lforster@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year 12: The qualification is a year long course and will require students to study a range of texts. Assessment is by examination at the end of the year.
Paper 1: Love through the Ages: Shakespeare and Poetry
Paper 2: Love through the Ages: Prose
Year 13: This course will require students to study the content above, alongside more texts. It is assessed at the end of the two years by two examination papers and a piece of coursework.
Paper 1: Love through the Ages
Paper 2: Texts in Shared Contexts
Non-exam assessment: Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of the AQA AS English Literature is by written examinations. The assessment for the A Level English Literature course is by written examination and coursework. At the end of the two years they will sit two examinations and will also complete one piece of coursework.
What careers would this course be useful for?
English Literature would be useful for a career in law or journalism which require thoughtful, reflective thinkers who can skilfully communicate ideas. English Literature would be useful, given the many parallels, for a career in teaching, drama, psychology, social work, history or any career that requires you to communicate and think analytically. English Literature is a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions. It is a highly regarded academic qualification that universities respect.
Who can I contact for more information?
Miss Bottomley: lbottomley@ripleyacademy.org
or Mr Robinson: wrobinson@ripleyacademy.org
A Level Further Mathematics
Course summary
The course builds on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out at GCSE and uses the content from A Level Mathematics. The course comprises of Mathematical argument, language and proof, Mathematical problem solving and Mathematical modelling. In addition, two of the following applied subjects: mechanics, statistics and discrete, must be studied.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by written examination. All assessments are taken at the end of the course.
| A Level Examinations |
| Pure Mathematics 2 hours |
| Pure Mathematics 2 hours |
| Applied Mathematics 2 hours |
What careers would this course be useful for?
Further Mathematics is excellent preparation for degrees involving a lot of maths work, and is required for study of Mathematics at degree level at some universities. It is a highly respected A Level and supports progression to a wide range of degree courses and careers, including the sciences, computing, economics and social sciences.
Who can I contact for more information?
| Mr Prescott: mprescott@ripleyacademy.org |
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What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed: End of 2 year course exam:
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First and foremost French opens doors to whole worlds that you cannot access without using the French as the key.
Work and Study – a language is favoured by higher education institutions for the communication and study skills that it helps students develop. Going to university or working abroad is a phenomenal life-enhancing experience; employers prefer candidates who already have the language qualifications and skills as they can access opportunities otherwise unavailable to their companies. The fact you have studied a language gives you a proven track record in academic ability and social understanding.
Travel – If you can communicate in the local language you discover local knowledge from the locals that allows you to see things that other tourists miss. There are secrets waiting to be found and a huge amount of cultural experiences waiting for you with a foreign language!
It opens your mind – literally! Studying a language is good for your brain’s health! Research shows that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Other evidence suggests that studying language can improve memory and slow age-related decline in mental agility and actually stimulates the creative parts of your mind.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr R Pardo Roques: rpardoroques@ripleyacademy.org
Mrs H Stanford: hstanford@ripleyacademy.org
Intro to A Level French – Personal Organisation
Intro to Critical thinking in French A level
Intro to Effective Research in French
The A Level course includes exploring physical landscape systems by studying Coasts, Water and Carbon Cycles and hazards. The human topics include Global systems and Governance, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban environments. There will be field trips exploring the human and physical worlds. An individual coursework assignment allows students to investigate an area of interest for themselves.
What careers would this course be useful for?
A Level Geography is related to a vast number of careers for a number of reasons. Geography as a subject develops a huge range of transferable skills which employers value highly, for example problem solving and analysis. Some of the main vocational areas which employ geographers include: environmental management; leisure, travel and tourism, business and finance, planners, education, surveyors, spatial analyst, meteorologist, social services, policy makers, journalism etc. It is also looked favourably upon by universities and can be studied as a Bachelor of science or arts.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Richmond: jrichmond@ripleyacademy.org
Mrs Kenway: ckenway@ripleyacademy.org
This course is broadly equivalent to one A Level. During the course there are various units covering topics such as: human lifespan development, working in health and social care, principle of safe practice, psychological and sociological perspectives.
This two year course is assessed by coursework (internal assessment) and exam (external assessment). The split is 50% exam and 50% coursework across the two years.
This course is ideal for any students considering a future career in areas such as social worker, nursery nurse, residential carer, physiotherapist, nursing or probation officer
Mr E Rokita: erokita@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year 12 Paper 1: In Search of the American Dream: The USA 1917-96; Paper 2: India c.1914-47: The Road to Independence.
Year 13 All the Y12 modules listed above plus; Paper 3: The British Experience of Warfare c.1790-1918; Paper 4: Hitler’s role in the Third Reich 1933-45 (Coursework).
How will I be assessed?
There will be three written examinations which are worth 80% of the History A Level. These examinations will cover content studied over the two years. At the end of Year 12, and continuing into Year 13, coursework is completed, which is worth 20% of the A Level.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in History you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying History, Archaeology or Politics. History teaches you how to read evidence for fact and opinion and therefore essential for lawyers, the police and politicians. History teaches you effective written communication skills, leading to careers in the Civil Service, law and journalism. History teaches skills of analysis and strategy, vital for jobs in the Army, teaching, advertising, medicine, banking and accountancy. Therefore History is a well-respected qualification in its own right and the skills gained from studying it transfer to a wide range of careers.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Kenway: ckenway@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary:
Year 1: Three units studied, consisting of one piece of coursework, one controlled assignment and a third examination module which is taken in January.
There are three modules needed for the Certificate award at the end of Year 1.
Year 2: Year 1 content plus three further units consisting of two pieces of coursework and a third examination module which is taken in January.
There are six modules in total for the Extended Certificate award at the end of Year 2.
How will I be assessed?
The overall 2 year course contains 50% coursework (assessed internally and moderated externally), with the externally assessed controlled assignment and the external examinations taking place in January/June each year.
What careers would this course be useful for?
Business is a universal qualification and as such is ideal for students considering careers in almost any area. This qualification provides a broad understanding of business but also entrepreneurship, as well as developing increasingly valuable skills to support students’ progress to either higher education or a future career.
As part of the course, students investigate the ‘real life’ activities of many successful businesses including Apple, Merlin Entertainment (including Alton Towers) & Mac cosmetics to name a few.
Potential careers which benefit from a Business qualification are varied and can include amongst others Retail Management, Teaching, Accountancy, Sales, Marketing as well as those wanting to set up their own Business.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs. Taylor: etaylor@ripleyacademy.org
A Level Mathematics
Course summary
The course comprises of pure mathematics and applied mathematics. The pure mathematics element develops algebraic and geometrical reasoning alongside problem solving. You will learn how to produce well-reasoned answers to extended questions. The applied mathematics, which included mechanics and statistics, involves mathematical modelling to make sense of real-life problems. You will learn how to model real-life situations in mathematical terms, how models are refined and how to identify limitations within this process.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by written examination. All assessments are taken at the end of the course.
| A Level Examinations |
| Pure Mathematics 2hrs |
| Mechanics 2hrs |
| Statistics 2hrs |
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Mathematics you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Mathematics or related subjects such as engineering, economics or accountancy. It is essential for mathematics or statistics based subjects such as engineering. Mathematics is also a very well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of professions.
Who can I contact for more information?
Ms Townsend – atownend@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Equivalent in UCAS points to an AS level, so is to be studied alongside 3 other A-level subjects, but completed in Year 12. You will be taught Mathematical elements which appear in the following A-level subjects: Geography, Biology, Economics, Business, Design Technology, PE, Psychology and Sociology.
How will I be assessed?
Core Maths is assessed by written examination. All assessments are taken at the end of the course, with a combination of multiple-choice questions and multi-mark questions often relating to real-life. There is also pre-release information, which contributes towards both papers.
| A Level Examinations |
| Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper 2 (A – statistical techniques) – 1 hour 30 minutes |
What would this course be useful for?
Core Maths teaches all about the Maths involved in life and the workplace. It is interesting, engaging and relevant to the world we live in, developing Maths skills and knowledge to focus on applied problem solving. It provides excellent preparation for University. Some Universities (e.g. University of Bath, University of Sheffield, University of York) offer entry grade requirements lower than standard if students achieve a certain grade in Core Maths alongside their 3 A-levels.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr M Prescott
Course summary
How will I be assessed?
The qualification is assessed by written exam and by coursework. The assessment weighting is 70% exam and 30% practical coursework
What careers would this course be useful for?
This course is suitable for any students considering a future career in the media and communications industries: Journalism, PR, Marketing, Graphic Design etc. It can also be used as a route into higher education.
Who can I contact for more information?
Miss Murfin : lmurfin@ripleyacademy.org
Mrs Turner: aturner@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary:
Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. This course offers students the chance to study a wide range of musical genres. The A-level brings listening, performance and composition to life in new and engaging ways, and links to the world around us.
Every student has different learning styles and musical tastes, which is why this A-level course values all music styles, skills and instruments. It will provide candidates with the knowledge and experience required for all forms of further and higher education. It will give them understanding, and encourage appreciation, of all music genres in all contexts.
How will I be assessed?
| AS Level | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component 1 – Appraising Music | Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music. | 40% of AS marks |
| Component 2 – Music Performance | A minimum of ten minutes of performance in total is required. | 30% of AS marks |
| Component 3 – Composition |
Composition 1: Composition to a brief Composition 2: Free composition |
30% of AS marks |
| A-Level | ||
|---|---|---|
| Component 1 – Appraising Music | Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music. | 40% of A-level marks |
| Component 2 – Music Performance | A minimum of ten minutes of performance in total is required. | 35% of A-level marks |
| Component 3 – Composition |
Composition 1: Composition to a brief Composition 2: Free composition |
25% of A-level marks |
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Music you could go on to Higher Education, studying Music or one of the Performing Arts or related subjects such as Music therapy, Arts Management or Teaching. Music is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions due to the wide range of skills learnt during the course.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Byrne – ebyrne@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year 12 / Year 13 Students start the year by completing a foundation skills project. This leads into the Personal Investigation which is 60% of the final grade – Project determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
Year 13 Externally Set Assignment 40% of the final grade – Preparatory study followed by a 15 hour examination period. Set by the exam board, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of coursework and externally set assignment is assessed internally and then assessed externally by AQA.
What careers would this course be useful for?
This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where creativity is important or a good grounding in Photography is required. With a qualification in Photography you could go on to further Education studying most creative subjects including, Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Film and Media, Make-Up Artistry, and Fashion.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Hart – ahart@ripleyacademy.org
Mr Goddard – cgoddard@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Module 1 Development of practical skills in physics; Module 2 Foundations of physics; Module 3 Forces and motion; and Module 4 Electrons, waves and photons. Module 5 Newtonian world and astrophysics; and Module 6 Particles and medical physics.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of A Level Physics takes place at the end of the final year, with 2 x two and a quarter hour exams and a 1 x one and a half exam. The A level also includes a practical endorsement.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Physics you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Physics or a range of related subjects such as engineering, medicine and maths, being essential for engineering. Physics is also a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions, including law and technological subjects.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr W Brown : wbrown@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year 12 / Year 13 Students start the year by completing a foundation skills project. This leads into the Personal Investigation which is 60% of the final grade – Project determined by the learner and teacher. Assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
Year 13 Externally Set Assignment 40% of the final grade – Preparatory study followed by a 15 hour examination period. Set by the exam board, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the exam board.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of coursework and externally set assignment is assessed internally and then assessed externally by AQA.
What careers would this course be useful for?
This course is ideal for any students considering a future career where creativity is important; 3D design, furniture design, interior design and architecture. With a qualification in 3D Design you could go on to further Education studying most creative subjects from the list above.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Tollervey – ltollervey@ripleyacademy.org
Mr Goddard – cgoddard@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Y12 content
Topics include – Social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology and research methods.
Y13 content
Y12 content plus the following topics – Biopsychology, issues and debates in psychology, relationships, schizophrenia and forensic psychology.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of the AQA Psychology course is by written examination. The examinations are in June. Preparations for the exams are carried out in lessons throughout the course, including full mock exam papers.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Psychology you could go on to Further or Higher Education. Additionally to this, if you do not use it for your main subject area it is a multi-disciplinary subject and will offer you a more effective way of thinking. Employers favour the subject as it requires the ability to be a flexible and forward thinking individual. For those interested in careers in psychology, visiting the British Psychological Society website will provide further information.
Who can I contact for more information?
Miss Rokita: erokita@ripleyacademy.org
1. Philosophy of Religion
This includes work on the arguments for and against the existence of God, the problem of evil and suffering, the nature of religious experience and miracles and various traditions regarding soul, mind and body.
2. Religion and Ethics
This includes work on ethical theories, and applying these theories to issues relating to human and animal life and death, free will and moral responsibility and conscience.
3. Study, Religion and Dialogues; Buddhism
This includes work the idea of the Ultimate reality in Buddhism, the self, death and reincarnation, good conduct and key moral principles, religious identity and religion and science, secularisation and religious pluralism.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of the A Level Philosophy and Ethics course is by written examination. Preparations for the exams are carried out in lessons throughout the course.
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Philosophy and Ethics, you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Philosophy, Religious Studies or Theology. It is extremely desirable for future careers that deal with people e.g. teaching, the legal profession or any of the public services. Areas of work such as journalism that require thoughtful, reflective thinkers who can skilfully communicate ideas would also benefit. In addition to this, Philosophy and Ethics is a well-respected subject in its own right and suitable for entry into a wide range of other professions.
Further Information
Students should contact Mrs C. Kenway: ckenway@ripleyacademy.org
Course summary
Year 12 content
Topics include – Education, with specific reference to UK policy and globalization, families and households, with an emphasis on changing characteristics over time. Students will also study research methods.
Year 13 content
AS content plus the following topics – Crime and deviance and beliefs in society. In addition to research methods at AS level students will also study sociological theory, this will be applied to the crime and deviance topic.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment of the AQA Sociology course is by written examination. The examinations are in June. The course features two 90 minute examinations. The full A-level course features three 120 minute exams. All exams are at the end of the year (summative assessment).
What careers would this course be useful for?
With a qualification in Sociology you could go on to Further or Higher Education. Sociology is positively regarded by university admissions tutors so makes an exceptional additional subject within an academic A-level programme. A-level Sociology also requires the development of critical thinking skills. This is seen as a huge positive in the employment market.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Rokita: erokita@ripleyacademy.org
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What’s assessed
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How it’s assessed
End of 2 year course exam:
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First and foremost Spanish opens doors to whole worlds that you cannot access without using the Spanish as the key.
Work and Study – a language is favoured by higher education institutions for the communication and study skills that it helps students develop. Going to university or working abroad is a phenomenal life-enhancing experience; employers prefer candidates who already have the language qualifications and skills as they can access opportunities otherwise unavailable to their companies. The fact you have studied a language gives you a proven track record in academic ability and social understanding.
Travel – If you can communicate in the local language you discover local knowledge from the locals that allows you to see things that other tourists miss. There are secrets waiting to be found and a huge amount of cultural experiences waiting for you with a foreign language!
It opens your mind – literally! Studying a language is good for your brain’s health! Research shows that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Other evidence suggests that studying language can improve memory and slow age-related decline in mental agility and actually stimulates the creative parts of your mind.
Who can I contact for more information?
Mr Pardo Roques: rpardoroques@ripleyacademy.org
Intro to A Level Spanish Personal Organisation
Intro to Critical thinking in Spanish A level
Intro to Effective research in Spanish
Our Extended Project qualification supports Y13 students with the transition to higher education or into the world of work.
Studying the EPQ qualification provides students with the opportunity to develop critical, reflective, problem-solving and independent learning skills through the planning, research and evaluation of a self-selected project.
The Extended Project qualification carries up to 28 UCAS points, depending on the grade awarded.
Universities and employers recognise the Extended Project qualification as a valuable part of a student’s profile on their UCAS, Job or Apprenticeship application. Students can use their Extended Project to show a keen interest in an area of study at an interview.
“We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition to higher education.” University of Cambridge
Who can I contact for more information?
Mrs Taylor: etaylor@ripleyacademy.org
French – Intro to Critical Thinking
French – Intro into Effective Research
French – Intro to Use of Language
French – Listening to French Outside the Classroom
French – Personal Organisation
History Taster Activity – Presentation
History Taster Activity – Sources
Philosophy and Ethics Activity
Product Design Taster Activity
Spanish – Intro to Critical Thinking
Spanish – Intro to Effective Research
Spanish – Intro to Listening to Spanish Outside the Classroom
The Ripley Academy
Peasehill
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3JQ
