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English at The Rowans AP

At The Rowans AP, we believe that literacy and oracy are the cornerstones of learning and personal growth. Our approach to English is rooted by our core values of kindness, commitment, and resilience, ensuring that every student feels supported and empowered to succeed. We build trust and learning through strong relationships, creating an environment where students can confidently express themselves and engage with language across the curriculum. While writing remains a vital skill for academic success, we also place a strong emphasis on discussion and debate. Students are encouraged to share ideas, challenge viewpoints, and articulate opinions in a respectful and constructive manner. This focus on oracy not only strengthens understanding of texts but also builds confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills that are essential for life beyond the classroom.
By embedding English skills into all subjects, and developing cross-curricula learning, we help learners develop the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and connect their learning to real-world experiences.

Key Stage 3: Closing Gaps and Building Core Skills

At Key Stage 3, our priority is to identify and address any gaps in prior learning, ensuring that every student has a secure foundation in English. We recognise that many learners may have experienced disrupted education, so our curriculum is designed to revisit essential concepts while introducing new skills that prepare students for the demands of Key Stage 4 and GCSE study.

Students develop confidence and competence in the following key areas:

  • Reading for understanding and interpretation
  • SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) for accuracy and clarity
  • Creative and descriptive writing to express ideas imaginatively through different tones and voice
  • Writing for purpose including non-fiction writing and expressing viewpoints and perspectives
  • Comparison skills, particularly themes, viewpoints and perspectives
  • Summary skills for condensing and synthesising information
  • Structure analysis to explore how texts are organised
  • Language analysis to understand how meaning is shaped
  • Evaluation and critical writing for forming, expressing and justifying opinions
  • Inference to read between the lines and interpret deeper meanings

Our schemes of work are personalised to the ability and interests of the current cohort, and are flexible, enabling students to progress at their own pace while meeting individual targets. Through regular assessment, both formative and summative, our Key Stage 3 pupils are challenged appropriately, in order to encourage every pupil to achieve their full potential during their time with us.

All topics are skills focused, and by embedding these core skills across all units, we ensure learners are fully prepared for the academic challenges of Key Stage 4.

KS3 – Learning journey:

Key Stage 4: Progression and Exam Readiness

At Key Stage 4, students build on the strong foundations developed in Key Stage 3, applying their skills to meet the demands of GCSE-level study. Our curriculum ensures a smooth progression from core competencies—such as reading comprehension, SPAG, creative and analytical writing—into more advanced skills required for success in formal assessments.

Students work towards either AQA GCSE English Language or Cambridge IGCSE English, allowing us to tailor learning to individual needs. Throughout Years 10 and 11, learners refine their ability to:

  • Read critically and interpret a variety of complex texts
  • Analyse structure and language with precision
  • Write accurately and fluently, using sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures
  • Evaluate, justify and compare viewpoints in extended responses
  • Summarise and synthesise ideas effectively

Every AQA pupil will complete a Spoken Language Endorsement, and will sit two English Language papers at the end of Year 11. Every IGCSE pupil will sit one exam and submit three pieces of independent coursework which contributes to their overall grade. Mock exams are held bi-termly, ensuring our pupils are prepared and confident in the exam process before they experience the reality of the examinations.

While written accuracy and exam technique are key priorities, we also value spoken language as a vital skill for life beyond school. Students are encouraged to participate in discussions, debates, and presentations, developing confidence in expressing ideas clearly and persuasively. This focus on oracy not only supports exam success but also prepares learners for interviews, employment, and everyday communication.

Our schemes of work are flexible and personalised to the ability and interests of the current cohort, enabling students to progress at their own pace while meeting individual targets. The topics covered are broad, including cultural and geographic learning experiences, relevant and real-life topics, and a combination of historical and modern-day literature. Our approach combines exam preparation with real-world application, ensuring students leave with both the qualifications and the communication skills needed to thrive in adulthood.

Year 10 – AQA Learning Journey:

Year 10 – IGCSE Learning Journey:

Year 11 – AQA Learning Journey:

Year 11 – IGCSE Learning Journey:

 

Adaptive Teaching Strategies and Additional Support

At The Rowans AP we understand that every learner is unique, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can thrive. At all levels, our English curriculum is delivered using adaptive teaching strategies that respond to individual needs and learning styles. These include:

  • Modelling: Demonstrating high-quality examples of reading and writing to guide students toward success.

  • Chunked Learning: Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps to build confidence and understanding.
  • Scaffolding: Providing structured support that gradually reduces as students become more independent.
  • Tailored Interventions: Targeted sessions to address specific gaps in knowledge or skills.

To further support progress, we offer:

  • Small class sizes for personalised attention and a calm learning environment.
  • 1:1 Teaching Assistant support where possible, to provide focused guidance and personalised opportunities for success.
  • Catch-Up opportunities are offered during school holidays and after-school sessions for students who need additional time to consolidate learning.

These strategies ensure that all students, regardless of starting point, have the tools and confidence to succeed in English and beyond.

The Hidden Curriculum: Building Confidence and Preparing for the Future

English at The Rowans AP is more than a subject—it is a foundation for success in many areas of life. Through trust-based relationships and a supportive learning environment, we help students develop confidence in their abilities and a strong sense of voice. By connecting language and literacy to real-world experiences, learners gain the skills to express themselves clearly, think critically, and engage meaningfully with society. Our aim is to prepare every student not only for academic success but for the challenges and opportunities of adulthood, ensuring they leave with resilience, communication skills, and the confidence to thrive in the future.

Reading Focus

We place a strong emphasis on reading as a gateway to learning and personal development. Our whole-school approach ensures that literacy is celebrated and embedded in daily routines. Key initiatives include:

  • Peer Reading: Secondary students support younger learners by reading together every fortnight, fostering confidence and a sense of community for both groups of pupils and breaking down barriers to reading.

  • Stop, Drop and Read: Dedicated weekly reading time for all Key Stage 3 pupils, encouraging focus and reading for pleasure.
  • Word of the Term: A vocabulary-building initiative that promotes language development across all subjects and all year groups.
  • Literacy House Events: Engaging whole-school competitions and activities that celebrate reading and writing across the curriculum.
  • World Book Day: A whole-school celebration of literature, creativity, and the joy of reading. From dressing up, to decorating doors, whole-school events, treasure hunts, and spending their book tokens at the shops - students from all year groups are involved in the events.
  • Vocabulary Walls: Every classroom features word walls to reinforce key subject-specific terminology and support language acquisition.
Department staff
  • Miss Calder
  • Miss Horsely
  • Miss Fox
  • Miss Wheeler
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