Rowhill School

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