Mathematics

Pupils enter the school in year 7 and are taught in mixed form groups for the first two weeks. After this they are set according to ability from their Key Stage 2 scores.

Key stage 3

The setting in each of the years 7,8 and 9 are identical. Forms 1, 2, 3, and 4 are spread over five sets, according to ability. Forms 5, 6, 7 and 8 are then also spread over five sets according to ability as well. We follow the National Curriculum and use Starters and Plenaries. Following the re-launch on the National Curriculum we now focus on Key Processes in lessons and are embedding Rich Tasks in the Scheme of Work.

Key stage 4

We reset spreading the whole year group over nine sets. This is done following the end of year assessment which is based on Sat's papers. All sets follow the Edexcel Modular Scheme, but the top three sets also obtain an extra GCSE in Statistics. The top sets work towards the Higher Tier GCSE (grades A* to D), whilst the other sets follow the Foundation Tier (grades C to G).

English

Key stage 3

In years 7-9 pupils are taught in mixed ability form groups. Each year, in line with National Curriculum and Literacy Strategy guidelines, they study a range of modules, including novel study, media, drama, poetry, reading non fiction texts, Shakespeare and a range of writing skills. They are regularly assessed against National Curriculum levels and have two formal assessment tasks each year.

Key stage 4

For Y10/11 most students work in mixed ability groups, though no longer form groups, leading to AQA qualifications in GCSE English and GCSE English Literature. This involves coursework tasks on Shakespeare, modern drama, media, pre-20c prose and original writing; exams assess reading of a range of poetry, a modern novel and the student’s ability to write in a range of styles. Additionally, pupils will have the opportunity to take an additional qualification of functional skills.

Currently, a small number of students do not follow GCSE courses. They work instead towards a similar qualification but at a level more appropriate to their ability.

Key stage 5

At Advanced level, students can pursue courses in English Language (AQA) and/or English Literature (WJEC) to A/S or A2 levels.

English Language: Y12 learners will explore texts as parts of discourses that create and communicate social knowledge and beliefs. They will be able to explore how gender, ethnicity, ability and sexuality are represented in texts. Additionally, they will explore how children learn language. Y13 units will explore how ideas about language are created and constituted, examining how language changes and the variations in language use across Britain and the world.

English Literature: Y12 modules involve i) modern poetry and drama, post-1990, ii) coursework tasks requiring a comparison of two novels and a creative writing response to a further novel. Y13 modules involve i) coursework tasks based on study of three texts from a range of genre and periods, ii) Shakespeare and poetry, pre-1800.

Geography

Key stage 3

Three different themes take students through each year as they investigate different places, how they change and the threats they face. This includes our local area, threats to Antarctica and Britain’s disappearing coastline – with a visit to Flamborough and Hornsea to study erosion at first hand.

Year 7 – World Explorer | Year 8 – Global Investigator | Year 9 – Global Challenge

Key stage 4

EdExcel B

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why –from patterns of global warming to the changing demands of industry and the credit crunch on the global workforce – and helps you prepare for those changes. We study a range of topics and environments, from local to global, from tourism to volcanoes and earthquakes. Fieldwork takes place in the wider region with a new topic planned every year. This year, it is ‘Are urban areas a mix of the good bad and ugly?’

Key stage 5

AQA

At AS and A2 we continue to develop themes and skills from GCSE tackling the big issues of environmental responsibility, global interdependence, cultural understanding and tolerance, business, trade and industry. The highlight of the year 12 is a five day field visit to the Lake District studying topics such as glaciation, flooding and the effects of population change on the local area. .

Overseas fieldwork.

In May 2011 we set off on our first overseas fieldwork adventure in Iceland. Beginning with a swim at the beautiful Blue Lagoon, we went on to experience some of the amazing scenery and fantastic geography of Iceland – including geysers, bubbling mud pools, glaciers (covered with ash from the Grimsvotn eruption the week before) and standing with one foot on the North American plate, and another on the Eurasian!

Our destination in June 2012 is southern Italy – Vesuvius, Pompeii, the Isle of Capri… are just some of the destinations we expect to visit. Planning for the 2013 trip is already underway and will be advertised to all year 8 students and those year 9s continuing with Geography at GCSE in the spring term. So, if you want to be part of something truly amazing, watch this space.

Modern Foreign Languages

Keystage 3

At Ryburn, French and German are taught in Years 7-9. Pupils will study French or German depending upon which form group they are in.

Keystage 4

At the end of Year 9, when pupils make their option choices, they are able to continue their first foreign language to GCSE level at the end of Year 11. We also offer at the end of Year 9, a beginners' course in Spanish, leading to GCSE.

Keystage 5

At present, we have AS and A Level courses in French, German and Spanish.

Pupils achieve well in French, German and Spanish. All our staff are Specialists in Modern Foreign Languages and are experienced teachers at GCSE and A Level.

We have a fully digitalised language laboratory and Specialist language classrooms.

Science

Keystage 3

Students are taught for 3 lessons a week in mixed ability form groups, usually by one member of staff. We follow the Longman “Exploring Science – How Science Works” scheme of work. The course covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics as well as aiming to develop our students thinking skills through delivery of 'How Science Works'.

Again students follow the Longman “Exploring Science – How Science Works” scheme but are taught in sets according to their ability.

Keystage 4

At Key Stage 4 there are a range of courses on offer to our students. Staff provide guidance as to which course is most appropriate for each student based on individual ability and learning style. Most students have 9 periods of Science over the fortnightly cycle in Year 10 and 11 periods in Year 11. Lessons are divided between the three sciences and lead to two separate GCSE's - Core Science for the Year 10 work, and Additional Science for the Year 11 work. Groups are setted according to ability. There are also BTEC Applied Science groups in Year 10 & 11 and one set of Triple Scientists in each KS4 year group. The BTEC offers a vocational, coursework based route through Key Stage 4. Triple Science is a popular choice for those students who have a keen interest in the Sciences and who are likely to choose A-levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Keystage 5

AS and full A-levels are offered in Biology, Chemistry and Physics; all our Post-16 courses are taught by experienced, specialist staff.

History

Keystage 3

In each year at Key Stage 3 students will pick study themes such as Power & Protest, Cooperation & Conflict, and Beliefs, Ideas and Attitudes. Every year students will undertake three formal assessments; one testing their knowledge and understanding, one their ability to address an historical enquiry and one assessing their ability to understand differences of interpretation. In each year students will look at elements of British, European and World History.

Keystage 4

There are two possible routes to achieve a GCSE in history. The Modern World History course looks in depth at the USA and Germany between the World Wars and international history between 1900 and 1950. It also examines Britain's role in the First World War, in terms of both its military and domestic contribution. The Schools History Project route looks at the development of Medicine throughout history and the American West.

Keystage 5

At AS level students study two units of work. The first looks at Revolutionary Russia from 1881 to 1924 and Stalin's Russia from 1924 to 1953. The second regards Henry VIII's England from 1509 to 1540 and is entitled “Authority, Nation and Religion." At A2 students will study a third examined unit on Germany from 1900 to 1945 entitled "From Kaiser to Fuhrer and complete an individual study (coursework) on the Golden Age of Spain.

Physical Education

Keystage 3

In year 7 , 8 and 9 pupils participate in a range of activities, these include gymnastics, trampolining(girls), football, dance, hockey, rugby (boys), basketball, badminton, netball (girls), fitness, athletics, which includes X-country,  rounders (girls), cricket (boys) and tennis.

Keystage 4

In years 10 and 11 core PE pupils are offered a number of activities which they can then choose to participate in these usually include the fitness gym, circuit training, aerobics, badminton, basketball, badminton, dance trampolining, netball, hockey and football.

Pupils are also offered GCSE PE which is a course that is based on both practical assessment combined with coursework (60% of final grade) and a theory exam (40% of final grade).

A BTEC level 2 in sport is also offered.

A BTEC is also offered in dance, see dance section

Keystage 5

At key stage 5 pupils are offered The OCR sports national which is based on a portfolio of different units.  

They are also offered AS level PE in year 12,which progresses to A2 in year 13.

ICT

Keystage 3

In year 7 and 8 pupils follow an interactive ICT program closely aligned to the new KS3 strategy. Designed by the strategy's architects it is delivered and monitored online. At the end of year 8 pupils embark on the first stage of their ICT OCR National Qualifications. This continues into year 9.

Keystage 4

At the end of year 9 it is anticipated that students will complete their OCR National Certificate in ICT. Provision in year 10 and 11 has both traditional and vocational elements. Vocationally the OCR National Programme can be pursued to acquire further qualifications. Otherwise, students can opt for the more traditional GCSE in ICT which follows the AQA Specification with the full course being offered. Functional skills in ICT are also delivered.

Keystage 5

Again students are given choices between vocational and traditional ICT provision. Vocationally, students can follow the Edexcel Applied ICT route through AS and into A2. Also a traditional route at both AS and A2 level follows the Welsh board ICT qualification.

Religious Studies

Keystage 3

In year 7 and 8 students gain an understanding of, and develop their own responses to the six main world religions. This is done through the systematic study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In year 9,students study philosophical and ethical themes such as beliefs about God and the origins of the universe, the problem of evil and the nature of religious experience, prejudice and discrimination, wealth and poverty and people of religious commitment. Students also have the opportunity to investigate religious practices and faith communities in the local area.

Keystage 4

In years 10 and 11, Religious Studies is available as a Full and Short Course GCSE programme of study.
Students study the AQA modules, Religion and Morality and Religious Philosophy and Ultimate questions. Students are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of ultimate questions on life and moral issues and reflect on their opinions and other people's views about these issues.

Keystage 5

Religious Studies is a popular choice in year 12 and 13. Students follow the AQA Religious Studies specification where they are given the opportunity to study Religion and Contemporary Society and Religion, Philosophy and Science. Religious Studies, at all key stages, enables students to develop their own personal responses to religion, and understand the role which religion has played in shaping modern day society.

Business Studies

Keystage 4

In KS4 students have the opportunity to opt for the AQA GCSE in Business Studies. This course covers a broad range of business studies, from finance to human resources with a large emphasis linking it to enterprise. The course is assessed by both examinations and a supervised piece of coursework which is mainly completed in lesson time.

Keystage 5

At advanced level we offer both applied and traditional A level routes. From September 09 there is the opportunity to undertake the Applied A level, which is assessed by two thirds coursework and a third examination. The qualification is equivalent to on A level. We also offer the very popular AS /A2 AQA Business Studies in KS5. This is assessed by two examinations in each academic year. The course covers a large range of business subjects, including marketing, finance, human resources and operations management, with a large emphasis, as with GCSE, on enterprise. From September 09 the Business Department is also offering the BTEC National in Business. This is a level 2 course, equivalent to 4 GCSE's, for students wishing to consolidate their previous results in lower school and providing a route to level 3 qualifications in the sixth form. This course is assessed totally by coursework.

Design Technology

Keystage 3

In years 7 and 8 pupils have the opportunity to complete projects in Resistant Materials, Computer aided design, Graphics, Food and Textiles. In year 9 pupils opt to study two of these areas in more detail with the additional option of following a course in construction.

Keystage 4

Pupils in Key stage 4 can opt for up to 2 AQA GCSE subjects within the technology Suite of qualifications. These are Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Resistant Materials (Wood, Metal and Plastics) or Graphics. They could also choose to do a BTEC certificate in Construction.

Keystage 5

A'level Product design consists of 2 Coursework units and 2 exams. Pupils have the opportunity to study the subject in more depth and design and make products for a real client using a range of materials and manufacturing techniques.

Film Studies

Keystage 4

At KS4 we offer GCSE Film Studies. This is both a practically and academically based course. 50% of the assessment is coursework and 50% is examination.

Keystage 5

At KS5 we offer AS and A2 film Studies. AS film studies comprises two modules on coursework and on examined. Similarly A2 comprises of one coursework and one examined module.

Music

Keystage 3

In Key Stage 3 pupils study a varied range of topics from rhythmic and vocal traditions in year 7, Samba music in year 8, to the development of Black American music in year 9. All pupils are assessed through a variety of performance, listening and composition tasks leading to an end of Key Stage level. The emphasis at Ks3 is on participation and enjoyment; making music should be fun!

Keystage 4

During KS4 pupils study for a GCSE qualification following the AQA specification. The course develops pupil's skills through a holistic approach by developing performance, composition and listening skills through a range of Areas of Study. Pupils also develop their ICT skills and are expected to use music specific software to record and notate coursework. The course prepares them for a traditional A-Level in music or a Music Technology A-Level.

Keystage 5

The department follows an Edexcel specification in Music Technology at Ks5. This course covers a range of skills from live recording, to computer sequencing, to music production and arrangement. The course prepares students for a variety of multimedia based degree pathways and the skills learnt during the 2 years are transferable to many of today's IT/ media based careers.

Drama

Keystage 3

Pupils in year 7 and 8 develop new drama skills and techniques through identifying and working on dramatic conventions. Pupils are assessed through the National Arts Council guidelines on making drama. This includes exploring, devising and interpreting dramatic intensions, performing presenting and producing work and finally clear evaluation of applied knowledge. These are closely linked through cross curricular schemes of work allowing pupils to experiment and empathise with characters of historic and social significance. In year 9 the pupils are continually assessed as they move through the media arts carousel. This includes art, media and drama taught in 8 week blocks. Each pupil is identified as to his/her potential for the year 9 options in the arts GCSE or media diploma.

Keystage 4

At KS4 students have the opportunity to follow a variety of Performing Arts subjects, including GCSE Drama, GCSE Expressive Arts, GCSE Dance and the Creative and Media Diploma. AQA Expressive Arts involves the integration of a range of art forms, including Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Music. It is assessed through written coursework and practical performances/presentations.

The AQA Creative and Media Diploma integrates a range of disciplines; including Art, Media, Dance and Drama. The course is both academic and vocational and covers two option blocks. Students work on industry designed projects to a specific brief to develop a good understanding of the realities of working in the Creative and Media Industry. Students must also carry out ten days work experience and functional skills to support their learning.

The WJEC drama syllabus consists of 6 units of work. Two of these units are externally marked and four are internally assessed. During the two years of study, students will see live performances and will complete a written review of the plays seen. In the devising process students work in groups to perform an original piece of performance work. This is closely linked with a diary in which students evaluate their work. Finally the students are visited by an external examiner who will assess them individually on their practical text in performance.

Keystage 5

At KS5 students have the opportunity to take an Edexcel Performing Arts AS/A-Level. The course develops performance skills in dance and drama through a variety of practical workshops. Students are also encouraged to develop a good understanding of the roles and responsibilities in the Performing Arts industry.

Health & Social Care

Keystage 4

Learners follow the OCR National in Health and Social care at level 2. This consists of 6 units that must all be completed to achieve the qualification. It is a vocational course with 100% coursework content. It is worth 4 GCSE's at grades A-C (graded as pass, merit, distinction). Units cover the theory and practical knowledge, skills and understanding that are required to start a career in Health care, Social care or an Early Years setting. However, these skills are also beneficial in any career dealing with the public.

Keystage 5

At KS5 learners build on their knowledge learnt at level 2 to complete the OCR National in Health, Social care and Early Years at level 3. However they could start this course as a completely new subject area to them. The course is worth 1 A level at grade A-C, again graded as pass, merit, distinction. Content is again 100% coursework. Units cover the theory and practical knowledge, skills and understanding that are required to follow a career in Health care, Social care or an Early Years setting.

Media Studies

Keystage 3

In Year 9 students follow an integrated programme combining art, drama and media as part of a carousel programme of study. This means students will work on creative projects that include all three subjects and will gain an introduction to some of the technical equipment used in Media and Film Studies.

Keystage 4

Students can choose the BTEC First diploma in Media or Media Studies GCSE. The BTEC course is a vocational course so students work independently on work-style projects, to tight deadlines. The course is internally assessed, is the equivalent to 4 GCSEs and has no examination at the end. GCSE Media Studies looks at all areas of the Media through classroom study and practical coursework which makes up 50% of the final grade.

Keystage 5

Media Studies A level is made up of 4 units. Two of these are independent pieces of coursework, including practical production work and a research task. Students discuss areas such as television, film and new media with a focus on analysing and comparing these different texts and how they appeal to audiences.

Dance

Key stage 3

Dance at key stage 3 is taught via the PE curriculum. All pupils receive a block of dance from February to March, for 7 weeks.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Dance is delivered in years 10 and 11 following the AQA specification. An additional dance qualification is delivered with the Dance students in year 10; Applied Performing Arts-Dance.

Extra Curricular

Dance Club

This dance club is for all pupils regardless of age, ability and gender.

Break Dance

This dance club is concentrating specifically on Break-Dance for boys.Dance Academy

This dance club is for Ryburn's Gifted and Talented dancers.

Extended Project

The Extended Project is a project chosen by the learner, requiring the learner to show his or her ability to plan, deliver and present a piece of work at level 3 and demonstrate project skills. The learner is required to identify, design, plan and complete a project product either individually or within a small group, applying organisational skills and strategies to meet their stated objectives. The submission will always include a written report of the background research to at least 1000-5000 words and backed up with a log.

Completion of the project will lead to an A/S (50% of an A Level). The qualification is administered through the AQA City and Guilds exam board.