Giving Intellectual Curiosity
Free Rein Working Beyond GCSE
Specifications
100 GCSE Students from 7 Schools
ACADEMY 2026
Supporting Students with High Academic Aspirations
Collaborating with Like-Minded Individuals 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 youâre ready to be challenged intellectually and think independently, apply to take part!
This is the seventh year the Academy has run, and it has been so successful that it continues to grow in scope and reach each year â in 2025-2026, the programme will include 100 students from a range of schools in the local area.
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.
The Roedean Academy runs on Tuesday afternoons, from 16:10 to 18:00 â in addition to these, you will have the opportunity to be pat of our annual Festival Celebrating Inspiring Women to mark International Womenâs Day. 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
âHearing other peopleâs perspectives helped me to broaden my own knowledge.â
Daisy (Roedean)
âOther people have pushed my boundaries â the curriculum can become quite repetitive so it is nice to do something outside of it.â
Helios (Blatchington Mill)
âI liked hearing otherâs opinions and having debates.â
Juno (Dorothy Stringer)
âThe Academy has sparked lots of interest in more challenging subjects.â
George (PCS)
âIâve learnt more than I ever thought possible, and the highlight was definitely International Womenâs Day, which inspired me to reach for the stars.â
Amber (PCS)
âI found BSL cool â it made me think aboutmethodsdifferent of communication.â
James (PACA)
âThe positive environment made lessons more engaging.â
Millie (PACA)
A selection of titles from previous years
International Relations Theory:
Ukraine â a Case-Study (Politics)
Love It or Hate It... The Physics of Marmite! (Physics)
Shakespeareâs 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 âliving in Stalinâs Russia (History)
Crystal Lattice
Structures (Chemistry)
Neurodiversity â A Study (Psychology)
Hollywood Films and their Hidden Meanings (English)
Structure of the Programme for 2026
Autumn Term 2025
Black History Month lecture
Guest Speaker: Dr Bashair Ahmed
The lecture is followed by discussion and exploration of this theme in small groups.
Spring Term 2026
March 2026
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 Womenâs Day on 6 March 2026
Students are welcome to take part in this empowering day of lectures, selecting 3 talks to attend, from a choice of over 15 speakers across the day.This will be followed by the Futuresâ Fair in the afternoon.
Programme â Spring 2025
WEEK 1 Tuesday 24 february
16:10-17:00
Introduction and Tour
Code-Breaking â Patterns in Language (Languages)
A Neurodivergent Interpretation of Frankenstein (English)
17:05-17:55
The Power of the Voice (Drama)
Ethics in Sport (PE)
Crack the Code: The Chemical Detective Challenge! (Chemistry)
WEEK 2 Tuesday 3 March
Particles, Patterns, and the Pulse of Reality (Physics)
Why Should I be a Good Person? (Philosophy)
Dr Barrand
Dr Barrand
Ms Boobis
Ms Sellers
Mrs Baker
Ms Walker
16:10-17:00
17:05-17:55
Language Change and the Inter-Generational War (English)
Private Lives in Stalinâs Russia (History)
Motet Choir (Music)
Stencil and Screen (Art)
Biology
Exploring Viewpoints (Drama)
Commercial Dance Workshop (Dance)
British Sign Language (Languages)
How to Count to Ten in over 500 Languages (Languages)
The Psychology of Social Change (Psychology)
WEEK 3 Friday 6 March
N/A
International Womenâs Day
Mrs Reesink Wells
Mr Megahey
Mr Woodhouse
Dr Black
Dr Barrand
Miss Phillips
Ms Sturgeon
Ms Woodbridge
Mr Ciecierski
Mrs Palmer
Dr Harden
Mr Harrison
Dr Barrand
WEEK 4 Tuesday 17 March
How Music Works (Music)
Objects Speak: Exploring Culture Through âStuffâ (History)
Three-Dimensional Fashion Design on the Mannequin (Art)
16:10-17:00
17:05-17:55
Bosons and Fermions: What is the World Made of and What Holds it Together? (Physics)
Polar Molecules and Why Water is Wonderful (Chemistry)
What is a Place? (Geography)
Mr McGregor
Ms Benton Stace
Ms Silburn
Mr Cronin
Mrs Barker
Mr Carter
Shostakovich vs Stalin (Music and History) Dr Barrand
The Ultimate Survival Challenge: A MindBending Puzzle (Maths)
How to Win Arguments and Notice When You Are Being Misled (Philosophy)
The Return of Donald Trump: Causes and Consequences (Politics)
The Power of Debate (English)
WEEK 4 Tuesday 25 February
Who shot JFK? (History)
Leap Into Biology: Discovering the Inside of a Frog (Biology)
My Halsey
Miss Earl
Mr Marchant
Miss Joslyn
16:10-17:00
What If Beauty Has a Formula? Can a Single Number Explain Nature, Art, and Music? (Maths)
Introduction to Russian (Languages)
Have You Ever Considered What the Romans Have Done for Us? (Classics)
17:05-17:55 Finale and Review
Mrs Newman
Dr Turner
Mrs Lewis
Dr Barrand
Mrs Rothwell
Dr Barrand 5
Tuesday 24 February
Introduction and Tour of Roedean
Dr Barrand
Tuesday 24 February
Session 1 â 16:10-17:00
Session 2 â 17:05-17:55
Code-Breaking â Patterns in Language (Languages)
Dr Barrand
English is an incredibly irregular language, Finnish has 14 cases and is in the same linguistic group as Mongolian, and there are over 500 native languages spoken in Nigeria. In this module, we will look at other alphabets and scripts to see how they are constructed and âbreak their codeâ, and then work together to try to identify what you do to make a noun plural or put a verb into the past tense. If you want to pursue languages, or perhaps learn a new language at university, this is for you.
A Neurodivergent Interpretation of Frankenstein (English)
Ms Boobis
Critical theory enables us to look at texts through a wide range of perspectives: psychoanalytic, historical, critical race studies, eco-critical and more. This session anticipates a possible new development in psychoanalytic theory that would explore indications of neurodivergence in texts, using Mary Shelleyâs Frankenstein as a case study. We will look at how our focus and textual interpretation can be radically shifted when looking through this new lens
The Power of the Voice (Drama)
Ms Sellers
Your voice is more powerful than you think. In this fast-paced, interactive session, you will learn that how you speak matters just as much as what you say. Through practical activities, you will learn how to use tone, pace, intonation, posture and audience awareness to make your ideas heard. Perfect for building presentation skills, boosting self confidence in the classroom and beyond.
Ethics in Sport (PE)
Mrs Baker
Sports ethics is defined as the code of conduct for promoting and ensuring healthy sporting practices. Ethics require four key virtues: fairness, integrity, responsibility and respect. Ethics and integrity ensure that achievements are reached fairly. We will explore if female intersex athletes should compete in the female category in elite sport and whether sex segregation still has a place in the world of competitive sport.
Crack the Code: The Chemical Detective Challenge! (Chemistry)
Ms Walker
Step into the shoes of a real laboratory detective! In this hands-on chemical analysis session, you will follow a series of clear, practical test instructions to uncover the identities of mystery substances. From flame tests to precipitation reactions, you will apply key analytical techniques to gather evidence and draw conclusions just like professional chemists. This engaging, puzzle-style activity strengthens practical skills, deepens understanding of chemical tests, and brings real-world science to life.
Tuesday 3 March
Session 1 â 16:10-17:00
Particles, Patterns, and the Pulse of Reality (Physics)
Mrs Reesink Wells
Whatâs really going on beneath the surface of matter? In this session, we journey into the subatomic worldâwhere particles interact, patterns repeat, and reality takes shape. Through an interactive activity, youâll visualize the hidden connections and structures that quietly hold our world together.
Why Should I be a Good Person? (Philosophy)
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.
Language Change and the Inter-Generational War (English)
Mr Woodhouse
Many arguments on social media imply a generational divide: old vs young, Gen Z vs boomers... This session will look at whether those divides actually exist and some linguistic theories that underpin language change, rhetoric and relative power.
Private Lives in Stalinâs Russia (History)
Dr Black
In this session we will journey into Soviet Russia and explore what it was like to live under Stalinâs 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.
Motet Choir (Music)
Dr Barrand
If you can sing, why not try singing some 16th century motets - the harmony is fantastic. Being able to read music would definitely be an advantage, but not entirely necessary. If it goes well, and the voices are confident and strong, it would be amazing to hear our harmony in the amazing acoustic of the stairwell by school kitchens!
Stencil and Screen (Art)
Miss Phillips
The screen-printing session is an exciting opportunity for students who would like to explore new processes and techniques. The session will focus on combining cut stencils with digital screen-printing methods. This workshop is ideal for anyone keen to further develop their artwork, as well as for those who would like to learn new creative skills and experiment with contemporary printing techniques.
Tuesday 3 March
Session 2 â 17:05-17:55
Medical decision making and ethics (Biology)
Ms Sturgeon
In this interactive lesson, youâll explore real-life ethical dilemmas faced by doctors every day â from organ transplants to life-saving choices. Learn the four key principles of medical ethics, share your opinions, and debate tricky scenarios in small groups. There are no easy answers â just big questions, lively discussion, and a chance to think like a healthcare professional. Come ready to challenge your thinking.
Exploring Viewpoints (Drama)
Ms Woodbridge
This is a training concept that merges the physical with the psychological. Rather than asking actors to dive deep into their characterâs motivations and backstories, Viewpoints provides a way for actors to consider their embodiment and movement. The pedagogical practice relies on observation and instinct, creating a dynamic, spontaneous, and collaborative performance.
Commercial Dance Workshop (Dance)
Mr Ciecierski
This high-energy commercial dance workshop is designed to be fun, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. Commercial dance is the style often seen in music videos, live performances, and stage shows, blending elements of jazz, hip hop, and street styles. The session will include a guided warm-up, learning a short, beginner-friendly routine, and a cool down to finish. No previous experience is required. Itâs a great chance to try dance from a beginner perspective or, for experienced dancers, to develop performance skills and technique.
British Sign Language (Languages)
Mrs Palmer
In this 50-minute beginner British Sign Language (BSL) class, youâll get a fun, hands-on introduction to signing. The session is interactive, relaxed, and designed to introduce you to a visual language used by the Deaf community. Youâll learn how to fingerspell and practice useful everyday signs, including colours, family members and animals. You do not need to know any BSL to participate - enthusiasm is all we ask for!
How to Count to Ten in over 500 Languages (Languages)
Dr Harden
⢠One, Two, Three, Four.
⢠Ein, Zwei, Drei, Vier.
⢠Ett, Tvü, Tre, Fyra.
⢠Un, Deux, Trois, Quatre.
⢠Yek, Do, Seh, Chaahaar.
⢠Ekam, Dve, Trini, Catvari.
Notice anything about these words? This session uses a problem-solving puzzle to compares several languages, to answer the question: âwhere do similarities between languages come from?â Discover the counting systems used by billions of people all over the world, and learn a little about the richness of humanityâs languages.
The Psychology of Social Change (Psychology)
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.
Friday 6 March
International Womenâs Day
Tuesday 17 March
How Music Works (Music)
Mr McGregor
Session 1 â 16:10-17:00
What is going on in Radioheadâs Pyramid Song? Which rhythms can be found in everything from folk music to techno? How can just a few simple chords give rise to music as different as that of J.S. Bach, John Coltrane and (even) Rick Astley?! This seminar investigates two musical domains - time-based, and pitch-based - considering rhythm and harmony across genres. With examples drawn from pop, jazz, classical, electronic, traditional and global genres, this interactive seminar will open new perspectives on how you might hear, compose, and appreciate music more deeply.
Objects Speak: Exploring Culture Through âStuffâ (History)
Ms Benton Stace
Objects arenât just thingsâthey tell stories about people, power, identity, and values. In this session, you will explore the study of material culture and museums, examining how objectsâ from everyday items to historical artefactsâcarry meaning and tell stories about the people who used them. Come and get some experience in analysing objects, making curatorial decisions, and debating what deserves to be collected and displayed in museums.
Three-Dimensional Fashion Design on the Mannequin (Art)
Mrs Silburn
This session explores designing with or beyond the bodyâs 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.
Bosons and Fermions: What is the World Made of and What Holds it Together? (Physics)
Mr Cronin
When scientists study any system, they must ask two basic questions: 1) What are the basic objects, or âbuilding blocksâ, from which this system is made? 2) What are the interactions between these objects? In this session we will look into what the fundamental particles are and how they interact with each other.
Polar Molecules and Why Water is Wonderful (Chemistry)
Mrs Barker
Have you ever considered why ice floats on water? Or why water forms droplets on a surface? The explanation is all in the polarity of molecules! Combining theory with hands-on practical work, you will investigate how molecular differences affect observable properties that make water essential for life on Earth. We will compare polar and non-polar solvents to explain just what makes water so wonderful!
What is a Place? (Geography)
Mr Carter
What is the difference between spaces and places? Why do humans become attached to place? What is placelessness?
Tuesday 17 March
Session 2 â 17:05-17:55
Shostakovich vs Stalin (Music and History)
Dr Barrand
Dmitri Shostakovich was a Soviet composer who was writing a musical commentary of the political and historical events in the Soviet Union under Stalin. His music was banned and censored, yet composing in these intolerable conditions almost seemed to produce his best music. How did Shostakovich, arguably one of Russiaâs greatest composers, manage to continue to work when Stalin and his regime were doing everything possible to crush his creativity?
The Ultimate Survival Challenge: A Mind-Bending Puzzle (Maths)
My Halsey
Join us 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 itâs too late?
How to Win Arguments and Notice When You Are Being Misled (Philosophy)
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.
The Return of Donald Trump: Causes and Consequences (Politics)
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 successfully fought his way back to the Oval Office in 2024. How can we explain his remarkable political comeback? In this session we will reflect on his path to victory and analyse the impact of his second term so far.
The Power of Debate (English)
Miss Joslyn
Ever wondered how strong arguments are really built? In this session, youâll explore how ideas are developed and tested through rigorous debate. Youâll learn how to structure clear, convincing arguments and respond thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints. Through discussion and debate, youâll sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills. This session will help you build confidence in your oracy skills - an essential part of almost every career and an important life skill beyond the classroom.
Tuesday 24 March
Who shot JFK? (History)
Mrs Newman
Session 1 â 16:10-17:00
In this session we will be looking at the various suspects suggested over the last 60 years as to who shot President JFK and why. We will be looking at documentary evidence from the period, including the Warren report and recently released sources ( 2025) which were released as a result of President Trumpâs Executive Order.
Leap Into Biology: Discovering the Inside of a Frog (Biology)
Dr Turner
In this hands-on session, youâll 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 youâre curious about science or ready to sharpen your lab skills, this is your chance to leap into the world of biology like never before!
What If Beauty Has a Formula? Can a Single Number Explain Nature, Art and Music? (Maths)
Mrs Lewis
Have you ever wondered why certain things just look or sound right? This session uncovers the hidden mathematical code behind beauty itself. Explore how the golden ratio and Fibonacci patterns shape spirals in nature, balance in art, and harmony in music. Throughout this session, youâll see maths not as equations, but as the secret structure behind the worldâs most beautiful ideas.
Introduction to Russian (Languages)
Dr Barrand
Russian is probably a language that few, if any, of you know? Do you think that itâs hard? Have you wondered what itâs like writng in and reading a different alphabet? Why would you want to learn it? Does the current situation in Ukraine make you feel differently about it? Russian is a wonderful language, with a rich tradition in poetry and other literature, and it has a mystique about it which is inescapable⌠If you know no Russian, why not find out a little about it â youâll learn how to introduce yourself in Russian, and learn how to read the Cyrillic script and write it too!
Have You Ever Considered What the Romans Have Done for Us? (Classics)
Mrs Rothwell
We shall look at logos, derivations and language, architecture, literature, politics, engineering and so much more! You cannot fully understand the modern world without looking at the ancient world.
Tuesday 24 March
Finale and Review
Dr Barrand
Session 2 â 17:05-17:55
