Humanities

Business / Economics

These subjects are offered at examination level only. Business Studies at Radnor House is a modern, dynamic course which encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring events in the business world and relating these to theory and practice. Business Studies develops transferable, academic skills by using appropriate business tools and methods as it helps students understand the intricacies of and skills needed to run a successful business. Students will gain insight into the economies of various countries including economic factors facing emerging nations and how market forces impact on everyday life. Topics covered illustrate the requirements of successful competition to enable businesses to operate in various economies, sources of finance, marketing and basic accountancy. The ethics of running a business and external factors within which a business operates also become important themes. Initially looking at the context of establishing and managing a small business, students develop their understanding of larger organisations with the core being strategies for business success, external influences, managing change, globalisation, leadership and corporate culture.

Economics affects the lives of everyone and the A Level specification that will be followed in the Sixth Form starting in 2013 is engaging and interesting for both students and their teachers. The course will look at contemporary issues such as why house prices are so high and how economies in other parts of the world impact on the United Kingdom. Students will be given a rigorous understanding of micro and macro economics in a real word context whilst developing skills to equip them for Higher Education and the world of work. Issues such as, should governments provide free health care and the effects of increases in interest rates all feature during the course. The course develops to consider economic concepts and theories evaluating more complex economic models. Issues will be studied in both a European Union and global context tackling questions such as ‘Does immigration from Eastern Europe keep wage inflation low?’ or ‘Should governments intervene to reduce the cost of using mobile phones abroad?’

In Economics, the subject content centres round the fact that there are scarce resources in the world yet infinite demands on them. Students will look at how resources are allocated through the theory of market operations, why markets can fail and how government interference can make situations worse. There is constant reference to real world situations. Once students can understand the basics of Economics, they develop a more global approach where trade patterns and developing countries are the centre of focus. Inflation, unemployment, balance of payments and exchange rates all feature as key elements in the study of Economics.

Careers

What is the aim of careers at Radnor House?

• To promote self awareness
• To allow students to identify, clarify and evaluate opportunities in terms of careers and further study
• To help every student make a successful transfer to Further/Higher Education or employment
• To help every student develop decision-making skills
• To support every student in implementing their career plan

The Careers programme at Radnor House incorporates formal careers sessions, information gathering sessions both on and off site, work shadowing and a range of related experiences.

Questions such as ‘What is one good at?’ or ‘What does one want to achieve from a job?’ will help students narrow down the search. At Radnor House, we offer wide ranging careers advice to all students in the secondary school.

We start our careers programme in Year 7 when students are introduced to some of the jobs undertaken in the immediate vicinity of Radnor House to support the local economy, careers which they may not have heard of or thought about before. This broadens their awareness of the multiplicity of trades and professions that take place daily on their doorstep.

In Year 8, students are encouraged to look at various career paths people have decided to follow, including careers that are considered popular such as footballers and entrepreneurs, the objective being that students at this age will learn a little more about themselves and the vast range of opportunities that are available. They will also discover how, where and from whom to obtain further information.

In Year 9, our careers programme looks at self-awareness, decision making, an introduction to local careers advice outside of Radnor House and further investigation into different careers. Students will have access to the ICT facilities at Radnor House to complete a learning profile, look at goal setting and careers searches using computer programs such as ‘Launchpad’. We also introduce Enterprise Education in Year 9 supported by local business partners covering such topics as unique selling points, budgeting, teamwork and presentation. The programme in Year 9 develops whereby students receive preparation for life after Radnor House and are guided through the basic skills of writing a CV, how to stand out at interview and what options are available for Higher Education both in the UK and internationally.

Our Year 10 and 11 programme starts with Health and Safety in the workplace and includes suggestions about how to deal with issues should they arise and students will be shown how to compete application forms, further develop personal CVs, the need for good references, employment contracts and workplace legislation, information about the labour market and the role of Trade Unions. A key element of Careers advice towards the end of Year 11 and throughout the Sixth Form is the role of the personal interview. Individual guidance is given to every student in Year 11 and the Sixth Form and this is seen as a fundamental element leading to effective decision making. It is by this means that we seek to establish our goal of providing an effective and appropriate way forward for every individual student, delivered in a sensitive and supportive programme.

Geography

Geography aims to give students the knowledge and understanding of places and environments at a range of scales from local to global. It gives an understanding of the physical and human processes that create the world in which we live. It develops a sense of place and an understanding of the opportunities, challenges and constraints that face different people in different places. Geography aims to develop an appreciation of the environment and an awareness of how people and environments interact.

We aim to ensure our students appreciate that the world is constantly changing and to realise that we are all part of these changes. Students will have the opportunity to acquire skills and technique that enable them to find out for themselves about physical and human environments whilst developing the ability to think logically and evaluate objectively geographical data and issues.

The Geography Department at Radnor House has high expectations of all students. During their journey through the school students will encompass a range of skills and some of the topics covered will include:

• Map skills
• Settlement
• Weather and Climate
• People and the Planet
• Coasts
• Ecosystems
• Tectonic hazards
• Weather hazards
• Warming Planet
• Rivers
• Rivers, Floods and Management
• Population
• World cities

History

The study of history will enable students to make sense of their own experiences by being able to place them in local, national and international contexts and help them to understand the society and world in which they live. History makes a significant contribution to preparation for citizenship through the consideration of a wide range of societies and political systems. In addition, it contributes to economic and industrial understanding through the study of different ways of managing economies and factors influencing economic and industrial development, or stagnation and decline. History has links with most other subjects. It provides the context into which works of art, music and literature as well as scientific developments can be placed. History involves the study of the nature of a wide range of religious beliefs and their effects on different societies as well as the importance of geographical factors in influencing developments. Use is made of written and oral communication which supports the development of literacy throughout Radnor House.

Intellectual skills are developed through the study of history which helps students become flexible and able to adapt to a rapidly changing society. Students gain an awareness of the complexity of causation in human affairs, the varied impact of change and the diverse ways in which people respond to situations. The ability to evaluate information critically is central to the study of history and with this comes an awareness of the uncertain nature of interpretations even when based on a range of evidence.

What does history at Radnor House aim to do?

• Provide an understanding of human development in the perspective of time
• Develop an understanding of the contemporary world
• Help students understand their society
• Contribute to the moral education of students
• Contribute to the political and economic education of students
• Promote critical evaluation and opinion through studying historical evidence
• Develop awareness of the points of view of others and the concept of historical empathy
• Develop skills of analysis and explanation of human situations
• Develop study skills
• Use effective language in presenting an argument
• Develop competence in the use of ICT for data handling
• Arouse interests in the past to give pleasure for the future

Personal and Social Education

At Radnor House we aim to promote healthy, independent and responsible members of society. All students at Radnor House are encouraged to play a positive role in contributing to the life of their school and the wider community through the school council, charity events and involvement with and in the community.

Click here to see our page on Charitable Work.

Our PSHE programme is delivered through discrete lessons, through assemblies, through the curriculum of subjects such as Religious Studies, History, Geography, Literacy, Mathematics and Science. Radnor House welcomes visiting speakers in order to help develop confidence, self motivation and an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of every individual in society. PSHE is also developed through outdoor educational visits, community work and wider activities.

Through Personal and Social Education, Radnor House aims for our students:

To develop self esteem

To understand that as children and adults they have both rights and responsibilities

To develop a sense of responsibility to themselves, their school and the wider community

To develop the skills required to make informed choices

To develop an appreciation of difference cultures and traditions

To understand and appreciate diversity both locally and globally

To become actively engaged in the school mentor programme

Be involved in the decision making process of the school through the School Council

Develop tolerance and respect

Gain an appreciation of the importance of a healthy lifestyle

Click here to download the ABC of PSHEE!.

Religious Education

Religious Education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops students’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, other religious traditions and other world views that offer answers to these challenging questions. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances students’ awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures.

Religious Education encourages students to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions, whilst exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. It challenges students to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

Religious Education encourages students to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a diverse and global community. Religious Education has an important role in preparing students for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables students to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes discernment and enables students to combat prejudice.