We were designated as a Technology College in September 1999. As one of the country’s High Performing Specialist Schools (HPSS) we were invited to bid for a second specialism. Ours was one of only 16 successful bids and we are proud that our designation as a Vocational Specialist school came in to effect in April 2006. Our specialist status allows us to provide pupils with more choice, and a better learning experience.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families confirmed that Ribblesdale School has been re-designated as a specialist school for Technology and Vocational Learning in Autumn 2007. Additional funding is focused on raising standards in technology, science and mathematics and in diversification of the curriculum in Years 9-11. The Vocational Learning specialism has since been re-named by the DSCF to Applied Learning.
Technology College Status
Our designation as a Technology College in September 1999 made us one of the first specialist schools in East Lancashire. Additional funding has enhanced ICT provision across every subject as well as enabling teachers in the specialist subjects (Mathematics, Science and Design Technology) to enhance the learning of all pupils.
Our status has also given us more opportunities to work in partnership with primary schools and other secondary schools. Link lessons provide continuity for pupils before they arrive at Ribblesdale, and for those pupils who have left.
We are committed to evolving new ways of working with individual pupils to provide additional and greater challenges. Some Year 9 pupils will be taking their GCSEs in Year 10, providing a fast-track to higher-level qualifications before they leave Ribblesdale. Those who find achieving to a higher level more challenging are supported by specialist teachers and assistants, as well as exciting “virtual” technology.
Applied Learning
Our second specialism: Applied Learning allows us to provide a much broader and more diverse curriculum. We recognise that there are different ways of learning; we all have a preferred style of learning. By offering more applied learning opportunities to pupils, we are encouraging all pupils to succeed at all levels. We aim to provide all pupils with skills, knowledge and qualifications enabling them to take their place in further education, training or employment. We work in partnership with local further education colleges to offer a range of applied learning and vocational courses.
Rather than choosing many GCSE subjects in Key Stage 4, pupils have the option of choosing an ‘applied learning’ route, which allows them to take part in a vocational course. Pupils will may go to college one day each week to take part in their vocational course.
All courses include work placements for a number of days during the two year programme. These are on placements where pupils can put their learning into practice.
- Hair & Beauty
- Horse Care
- Horticulture
- Animal Care
- Agriculture and Countryside
- Floristry
- Motor Vehicle Studies
- Construction
- Sport and Leisure
- Photography
Other Applied Learning courses leading to GCSE Double Award include:
- Hospitality & Catering
- Leisure & Tourism
- Health & Social Care
- Business Studies
- Engineering
- Hospitality & Catering
Most of these courses are delivered in school.