Giving Intellectual Curiosity
Free Rein
100 GCSE Students from 7 Schools
Working Beyond GCSE Specifications
Supporting Students with High Academic Aspirations
Collaborating with Like-Minded Individuals
ACADEMY 2024-2025
Developing Independent Thinking Skills
Roedean Academy Overview
The Roedean Academy is an exciting collaborative programme of academic enrichment for highly talented and aspiring students in the local area in Year 10. If these words describe you and you’re ready to be challenged intellectually and think independently, apply to take part!
This is the sixth year the Academy has run, and it has been so successful that it has grown in scope and reach each year – in 2024-2025, the programme will include over 100 students from 7 schools in the local area, and collaborative activities will take place each term.
The programme is delivered at Roedean, and is designed to bring together like-minded young people, to provide enriching academic extension far beyond what is required at GCSE, to stimulate and challenge the most able, and to help to prepare them for more detailed and rewarding study in the Sixth Form and beyond.
In order to benefit fully from the Roedean Academy, you need to be ready and willing to contribute and play an active part in all elements of the programme, and to commit to attending all sessions across the year.
The Roedean Academy runs on Tuesday afternoons, from 16:15 to 18:00. Transport from our partner schools will be provided, but all attendees must make their own arrangements for return travel. There is no charge for taking part in the programme.
Dr Ross Barrand Deputy Head: Co-Curriculum and Partnerships
‘Hearing other people’s perspectives helped me to broaden my own knowledge.’
Daisy (Roedean)
‘Other people have pushed my boundaries – the curriculum can become quite repetitive so it is nice to do something outside of it.’
Helios (Blatchington Mill)
‘I liked hearing other’s opinions and having debates.’
Juno (Dorothy Stringer)
‘The Academy has sparked lots of interest in more challenging subjects.’
George
(PCS)
‘I’ve learnt more than I ever thought possible, and the highlight was definitely International Women’s Day, which inspired me to reach for the stars.’
Amber
(PCS)
‘I found BSL cool – it made me think aboutmethodsdifferent of communication.’
James
(PACA)
‘The positive environment made lessons more engaging.’
Millie
(PACA)
A selection of titles from previous years
International Relations Theory:
Ukraine – a Case-Study (Politics)
Love It or Hate It... The Physics of Marmite! (Physics)
Shakespeare’s World: Understanding Texts through Objects (English) Covid Recession, Cost of Living Crisis, Climate Crisis! What is Going On? (Economics)
A Study of Animal Behaviour (Biology)
Reality and Illusion –living in Stalin’s Russia (History)
Crystal Lattice Structures (Chemistry)
Neurodiversity – A Study (Psychology)
Hollywood Films and their Hidden Meanings (English)
Structure of the Programme for 2024-2025
Autumn Term 2024
Black History Month lecture
Guest Speaker: Carolynne Bains
The lecture is followed by discussion and exploration of this theme in small groups.
Spring Term 2025 February-March 2025
5-week programme, after February half-term, with 2 sessions each week
Students have a free choice of which sessions to attend, allowing each to follow a path which complements their interests, be that in Science, Humanities, or Arts
International Women’s Day on 7 March 2025
Students are welcome to take part in this empowering day of lectures, selecting 5 talks to attend, from a choice of over 20 speakers across the day.
Summer Term 2025 June 2024 – 16:15-18:00
Academic Symposium
Students research and prepare an academic paper on a topic of their choice over the course of the term, then deliver a 5-minute lecture to an audience of their peers.
Programme – Spring 2025
WEEK 1 Tuesday 28 January
16:15-17:00
Introduction and Tour
17:10-17:55 Guided Discussions and Ice-breakers, followed by Lunar New Year Fireworks
WEEK 2 Tuesday 4 February
An Introduction to Screen-Printing
Attitudes Towards Gender-Neutral Spanish
Hip Hop – a Street Dance Experience
The Psychology of Social Change
16:15-17:00
17:10-17:55
Why are the British So Obsessed with the Weather?
AI Ethics: What It Is and Why It Matters
A Study of Innate Animal Behaviour
How to Win Arguments and Notice When You Are Being Misled
Language Change and Generational ‘War’
The Acropolis to Abercombie: the Legacy of Ancient Representations of the Human Form
Want to Help Create the Perfect Future World? Why Economics Matters!
The Return of Donald Trump: Causes and Consequences
Life, the Universe, and Everything
Why Do We Need Bees?
Dr Barrand
Dr Barrand
Ms Strachan
Ms Ibanez-Barcelo
Miss Abaza
Mr Harrison
Mr Carter
Mrs Griffiths
Mrs Andrew
Ms Earl
Mr Woodhouse
Mrs Allen
Mr Clingan
Mr Marchant
Mr Hawthorne
Mrs Hawkins
WEEK 3 Tuesday 11 February
Clay Heads
Linguistic Code-Breaking
An Introduction to Playing the Organ
Why should I be a Good Person?
16:15-17:00
Private Lives in Stalin’s Russia
Leap Into Biology: Discovering the Inside of a Frog
Chemistry TBC
17:10-17:55
Mr Ford
Dr Barrand
Mr Wilson
Mr Megahey
Dr Black
Dr Turner
Mrs Barker
Researching and Writing an Academic Paper Ms Boobis
WEEK 4 Tuesday 25 February
Shostakovich vs Stalin – Soviet Music in its Historical Context
The Parallel Worlds of Blake’s Poetry
Physical Theatre Improvisation
Discover the Magic of isiXhosa
16:15-17:00
17:10-17:55
The Ultimate Survival Challenge: A MindBending Puzzle
Dr Barrand
Ms Shahab
Mrs Woodbridge
Mrs Wienekus
Mr Halsey
Polar Molecules and Why Water is Wonderful Miss Walker
Three-Dimensional Fashion Design on the Mannequin
Feedback & Review Party, including making IWD selections
WEEK 6 Tuesday 7 March
N/A
International Women’s Day
Mrs Silburn
Dr Barrand
Dr Barrand
Tuesday 28 January
Introduction and Tour of Roedean
Dr Barrand
Guided Discussions and Ice-breakers
Dr Barrand
Tuesday 4 February
An Introduction to Screen-Printing
Ms Strachan
Session 1 – 16:15-17:00
Session 2 – 17:10-17:55
Session 1 – 16:15-17:00
This screen-printing activity is an exciting opportunity for students who would like to explore new processes and techniques, as well as developing existing techniques. You will get a chance to do a combination of both hand-cut stencils and digital screen-printing.
Attitudes Towards Gender-Neutral Spanish
Ms Ibanez-Barcelo
In this module, we will be exploring how language adapts and evolves to fit the needs of our ever-changing society. We will focus on the how the Spanish language is becoming more and more inclusive, and the debates revolving around the use of gender-neutral language.
Hip Hop – a Street Dance Experience
Miss Abaza
What are ‘spongebobs’, the ‘alf’, and the ‘cabbage-patch’? Join us for an hour of street dance, where you can explore the historical context and terminology associated with this style. Then we’ll use what we’ve learnt to create a short routine, using Zoo Nation as a starting point.
The Psychology of Social Change
Mr Harrison
One of the few things we can be certain about over the next twenty years or so is that society will change. This session looks at the psychological processes used, both consciously and unconsciously, by minority groups who actively seek to change the actions and beliefs of the majority.
Why are the British So Obsessed with the Weather?
Mr Carter
We have a reputation around the world for talking about the weather at any opportunity. We famously use the topic as an icebreaker in social situations. However, if you live in the UK, you will know just how unpredictable, variable and occasionally extreme our weather can be. Naturally, it deserves to be discussed – doesn’t it?
AI Ethics: What It Is and Why It Matters
Mrs Griffiths
In this session we will explore how artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important to society, however we have not yet identified a need for ethical boundaries when it comes to creating and implementing new AI tools. Do we need them? This will suit anyone interested in Computer Science, Ethics and Technology.
A Study of Innate Animal Behaviour
Mrs Andrew
Students will investigate how temperature affects animal behaviour, taking into account the safe and ethical use of organisms. The organisms used will be maggots or woodlice. Students will also learn how to assess the significance of their results, using statistical analysis. This will be a practical session taking place in the Biology labs.
Tuesday 4 February
Session 2 – 17:10-17:55
How to Win Arguments and Notice When You Are Being Misled
Ms Earl
In this session, we will look at what Philosophy can teach us about the quality of arguments and explanations, and how to spot logical fallacies in everyday life. This will suit anyone with an interest in English, Law, Media, the Humanities, or Social Sciences.
Language Change and Generational ‘War’
Mr Woodhouse
The session will explore how different generations use language and whether this is at the heart of an ideological battle between younger and older people. We will also look at some controversial uses of language and whether this genuinely fuels discrimination or is a restrictive aspect part of cancel culture, stifling open discussion.
The Acropolis to Abercombie: the Legacy of Ancient Representations of the Human Form
Mrs Allen
This lecture will look at the journey of representations of the human form throughout the classical period and their enduring (and often problematic) legacy. This will be of interest to those interested in how popular culture and the fields of Classics, Art History, and Anthropology intersect.
Want to Help Create the Perfect Future World? Why Economics Matters!
Mr Clingan
Are we heading towards the perfect future world with ever improving AI and living standards? Or destined for poverty, wars and environmental and technological doom? You’ve seen it in the news, and know it’s important, so now discover what’s it all about.
The Return of Donald Trump: Causes and Consequences
Mr Marchant
At 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC sits the White House – the official residence of the most powerful person in the world: the President of the USA. After four years in the political wilderness, Donald Trump has successfully fought his way back to the Oval Office. How can we explain his remarkable political comeback? In this session we will reflect on his path to victory and consider what we can expect from the second Trump presidency.
Life, the Universe, and Everything
Mr Hawthorne
Don’t Panic. The answer is 42. But what are the ultimate questions? Where did the Universe come from? How did it get to its present state? Where is it going? How do we know? What do the latest results in Cosmology tell us? Bring your towel!
Why Do We Need Bees?
Mrs Hawkins
Bees, buzzing around, getting stuck inside, and stinging people! Bees really are misunderstood, and often maligned. Why is it so important that we look after bees and their habitat? Not only are they gentle and rarely sting, but they do so much good. In this session, we will explore the benefits bees bring, and what we can do to support them in their work.
Tuesday 11 February
Clay Heads
Mr Ford
Session 1 – 16:15-17:00
In this session, you will learn how to sculpt clay heads from life, focusing on understanding form, proportion and detail. Through direct observation of a live model, you will develop your observational skills.
Linguistic Code-Breaking
Dr Barrand
English is incredibly irregular, Finnish has 14 cases, and there are over 500 native languages spoken in Nigeria. We will look at other alphabets and scripts to see how they are constructed and ‘break their code’ – if you want to pursue languages, or perhaps learn a new language at university, this is for you.
An Introduction to Playing the Organ
Mr Wilson
In this session we will explore how to play the pipe organ. What makes it different from other keyboard instruments? What are the similarities? If you’d like to find out, then bring along a piano or keyboard piece, and try it for yourself. This session would suit anyone who already plays a keyboard instrument.
Why Should I be a Good Person?
Mr Megahey
One of the key areas in ethics that has often been overlooked has answers at least as far back as Aristotle over two thousand years ago. In this session we will explore what the key questions are in ethics, what we should prioritise when considering morality and how modern developments have revived an ancient theory.
Private Lives in Stalin’s Russia
Dr Black
In this session we will journey into Soviet Russia and explore what it was like to live under Stalin’s dictatorship during the 1930s-1950s. Using the research of historian Orlando Figes, we will consider the problematic nature of the evidence, examining the memories of one ordinary witness, Antonina Golovina, to uncover the complex reality of living in the Ukraine and Moscow during these years.
Leap Into Biology: Discovering the Inside of a Frog
Dr Turner
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore the fascinating anatomy of frogs through a guided dissection. Learn essential dissection skills, uncover how their bodies work, and get a closer look at the wonders of nature. Whether you’re curious about science or ready to sharpen your lab skills, this is your chance to leap into the world of biology like never before!
Tuesday 11 February
Session 2 – 17:10-17:55
Researching and Writing an Academic Paper
Ms Boobis
In preparation for the ‘Roedean Academy Symposium’ in June, this session will take you through some tips on preparing a short research paper. Researching a topic that you choose and give your own individual direction to, and then sharing your findings with others, can be hugely exciting and rewarding. It will also help you to further develop your skills of scholarship that universities really value, as well as the skill of presenting ideas clearly and with authority that future employers will be impressed by.
We will be covering:
• How to identify a topic and to narrow down on a research question
• How to find relevant research resources
• How to record your research
• How to plan and write your academic paper
• How to prepare a short presentation
Tuesday 25 February
Session 1 – 16:15-17:00
Shostakovich vs Stalin – Soviet Music in its Historical Context
Dr Barrand
In this session, we will explore how the development of Shostakovich’s compositions was constrained by the changes in Soviet society in the middle of the 20th century – this will suit anyone with an interest in Modern History and the Arts.
The Parallel Worlds of Blake’s Poetry
Ms Shahab
Can nature explain the complexity of mankind better than science or religion? William Blake was the forerunner of Romanticism, which saw nature as a source of inspiration and answers to the plight of mankind. Find out how Blake questions the binary opposites of Good and Evil in his poetry in ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience’.
Physical Theatre Improvisation
Mrs Woodbridge
Develop your co-ordination and co-operation skills in a physical theatre class – the session will be based on A Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time, using Frantic Assembly techniques.
Discover the Magic of isiXhosa
Mrs Wienekus
Dive into the vibrant world of isiXhosa, one of South Africa’s most fascinating languages! Learn to master its unique click sounds, explore its rich cultural roots, and uncover how language shapes identity. An interactive session of fun awaits.
The Ultimate Survival Challenge: A
Mind-Bending Puzzle
Mr Halsey
Join in for an exciting and mysterious problem-solving experience. Test your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in a unique challenge where elimination and survival are at the heart of the game. Can you crack the code before it’s too late?
Polar Molecules and Why Water is Wonderful
Miss Walker
Have you ever considered why solid water floats on liquid water? The explanation is all in the polarity of molecules. See the magic of bending water, and see out about why not all covalent bonds are equal and how this can affect the properties of molecules.
Three-Dimensional Fashion Design on the Mannequin
Mrs Silburn
This session explores designing with or beyond the body’s natural proportions. We will examine techniques for manipulating fabric, focusing on shape, form, and texture, to create expressive designs inspired by renowned fashion designers, such as Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab.
Tuesday 25 February
Feedback & Review Party
Dr Barrand
Session 2 – 17:10-17:55
Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ
T: +44(0)1273 667500 | E: schooloffice@roedean.co.uk | W: roedean.co.uk facebook.com/RoedeanSchool | twitter.com/RoedeanSchool Charity No.: 307063