English Language and Literature
Intent
Our intent is to provide a comprehensive curriculum that fosters a deep understanding and appreciation of literature, develops excellent communication skills, and instils a lifelong love of reading and writing. The intent is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages all students, regardless of their background or ability, to excel academically and personally. An environment where pupils feel safe enough to ask for help.
Implementation
High-Quality Curriculum
The English curriculum at Rowhill School is meticulously designed to ensure breadth, depth, and coherence. It embraces a wide range of genres, authors, and literary periods, exposing students to diverse literary experiences. It places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding, nurturing students' ability to analyse, interpret, and evaluate texts. We introduce Shakespeare and Dickens in KS3 as a cultural-cornerstones, as well as other classics such as Of Mice and Men and Frankenstein. In KS4 we study Romeo and Juliet in depth, A Christmas Carol and An Inspector Calls. We also study power and conflict poetry which includes the famous Remains by Simon Armitage. Alongside these literature classics, we also teach pupils the language skill they need to be successful in their everyday lives.
Effective Teaching and Learning
English teaching at Rowhill is characterised by engaging, well-planned lessons that challenge and inspire students. Teachers provide clear learning objectives, scaffolding and differentiating instruction to meet individual needs, and promote active participation. They use a variety of teaching methods, incorporating both traditional and innovative approaches, such as drama, group work, or technology-enhanced learning, to make learning English exciting and relevant. Our lessons take on a three-part format, with a third of every lesson dedicated to reading. The other two thirds focus on the current learning episode followed by the explicit teaching of oracy, fluency, vocabulary and grammar.
Assessment for Learning
The assessment practices in Rowhill School go beyond summative examinations. Formative assessment techniques, such as regular feedback, self-assessment, and peer evaluation, are used to guide students' progress and deepen their understanding. Teachers provide specific and constructive feedback that supports students' development, enabling them to improve their English skills continuously. Pupils know what success looks like, whether that’s self-assessing their fluency skills using the fluency rubric, or seeing model answers to longer writing tasks.
Language Development
We recognise the importance of developing students' language skills across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to articulate their thoughts clearly, participate in debates, and express themselves confidently. Fluency, oracy, grammar and vocabulary instruction are integrated into the teaching of English as part of our three-part lesson format, enabling students to use language accurately and effectively and improving reading comprehension.
Reading for Pleasure
A strong focus on encouraging reading for pleasure is a hallmark of Rowhill School. The school promotes a culture of reading through a new library section within our classrooms and our quick read program which forms part of every lesson. Reading is celebrated and valued, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond the classroom.
Impact
The impact of Rowhill School's English provision is evident through the achievement, progress, and personal development of students.
Academic Achievement
Through the rigorous English curriculum and high-quality teaching, students make progress in their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They develop a deep understanding of literary texts, apply critical analysis effectively, and communicate their ideas fluently. The school's emphasis on language development translates into improved outcomes across all subjects, promoting success throughout their academic journey.
Personal Development
Rowhill School recognises that English plays a vital role in nurturing students' personal development. The promotion of reading for pleasure helps students develop empathy, broaden their perspectives, and enhance their cultural literacy. The focus on communication skills cultivates confidence, leadership abilities, and the capacity to express ideas thoughtfully and respectfully. Through extra-curricular activities, students have opportunities to showcase their talents, build resilience, and develop a lifelong passion for English.
Inclusivity and Equality
We ensure equity and engagement for all students. Differentiation strategies and personalised support from our literacy LSA enables students of diverse abilities and backgrounds to thrive in English. Equal opportunities are created, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and can achieve their potential. The use of specialised laptops is available for those pupils for whom writing is a barrier to learning.
Rowhill School's English provision is characterised by a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum, effective teaching and assessment, a focus on language development and reading for pleasure, extra-curricular activities, and strong impacts on students' academic achievement, personal development, inclusivity, and their lifelong love for reading and writing.
Reading List
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Romeo and Juliet– Shakespeare
An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley
AQA Poetry Anthology – Power and Conflict
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
KS3
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Quick read |
Educated |
Coraline |
A Kestrel for a Knave |
I am Malala |
After the fire |
Fat Boy Swim |
Topic/text/theme |
Literary Non-fiction Memoirs Creative Writing Writing a short story |
Gothic Literature Frankenstein The Woman in Black The tell-tale heart |
Introduction to Shakespeare Shakespeare’s life Tempest Romeo and Juliet |
Victorian London Oliver Twist |
Creative writing Dystopian |
Romantic Poetry Romanticism and revolution |
Grammar focus |
Past Tense Paragraphs |
Adjectives, nouns and verbs |
Complex sentences |
Using paragraphs |
How to use subordinating conj. |
Recap capital letters, and punctuation. |
Year 10
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Quick reading for pleasure and exposure |
An Inspector Calls Non - Fiction articles and blogs with theme of social class/inequality The hate you give |
Finish the hate you give A Christmas Carol |
The Five |
Lord of the flies |
The Knife of never letting go |
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire |
Topic/text/theme |
Writing to argue/explain Paper 2 Section B Transactional Writing |
Power and conflict - Remains, Kamikaze, War Photographer, Poppies A Christmas Carol analysis |
An Inspector Calls Analysis Comparing 19th 20th century text Paper 2 Section A - articles about misogyny, attitude towards women weaved into An inspector calls learning episodes |
Reading fiction Paper 1 part A |
Creative writing Paper 1 Section B |
Power and Conflict Part 2 Unseen poetry |
Year 11
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
|
Topic/text/theme |
Romeo and Juliet |
Romeo and Juliet A Christmas Carol Recap |
Power and Conflict Part 3 Unseen Poetry Paper 1 Part A |
Paper 2 Part A An Inspector Calls Revision |
Revision |
Exams |