Secondary English
Developing independence in English through reading, writing, language, and literary study.
An individual programme for learners aged 11–18, with attention to reading, comprehension, writing, grammar, vocabulary, communication, and literature.
Studio Intake · 1–2 Learners Per Studio Term
What is Secondary English?
Secondary English is an individual programme for learners aged 11–18, focused on developing the knowledge, skills, and independence needed to read, write, interpret, and communicate effectively in English.
The programme brings together reading, literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, speaking, and discussion. Learners work with increasingly complex texts and ideas while developing greater control over their own reading, writing, and use of language.
Teaching is responsive to the learner’s current knowledge and abilities, with attention to the areas that need strengthening and the areas ready to be extended.
What we work on
Reading with Understanding
Developing the ability to read closely, understand meaning, make inferences, explain ideas, and respond thoughtfully to texts.
Writing Clearly and Effectively
Developing written ideas through stronger organisation, sentence control, vocabulary, grammar, style, and revision.
Grammar and Language Use
Understanding how sentences and language work and applying grammatical and linguistic knowledge accurately in writing and communication.
Vocabulary and Word Choice
Developing a wider and more precise vocabulary and learning to make deliberate choices about language.
Oral English and Communication
Developing the ability to explain ideas, participate in discussion, listen carefully, and communicate with clarity and confidence.
Literature and Textual Interpretation
Reading literary texts closely and considering character, language, structure, themes, ideas, context, and meaning.
The Curricula We Use
The Secondary English programme draws on established secondary English curricula alongside original materials developed by the Studio. These curricula inform the selection, sequence, and development of learning across reading, writing, language, literature, vocabulary, communication, and textual interpretation.
Cambridge Lower Secondary English
Supports the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with a broad range of fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction texts.
CommonLit 360
A comprehensive English language arts curriculum supporting reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, discussion, and increasingly complex engagement with literary and informational texts.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English
Supports accurate and effective communication through reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation, inference, and purposeful use of language.
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English
Develops the ability to read, interpret, and evaluate poetry, prose, and drama, with attention to language, structure, context, themes, and the ways writers create meaning.
Studio Workbooks
Original workbooks developed by the Studio to support its curriculum, teaching approach, and the individual needs of each learner.
These curricula provide important sources for the programme, while teaching is adapted to the individual learner and developed through the Studio’s own practice.
What the Learner May Develop
Through the programme, learner may develop:
Greater independence and fluency in reading
Stronger comprehension and interpretation of literary and informational texts
Broader and more precise vocabulary
Stronger knowledge of grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation
Greater control and clarity in writing
Ability to develop, organise, and support ideas in writing
Greater confidence discussing texts and expressing ideas
Stronger understanding of how writers use language and structure to create meaning
Greater ability to analyse and respond to literature
Increasing independence in reading, writing, and learning
The 16-Week Learning Journey
The programme develops progressively across twelve weeks, with learning shaped around the learner’s starting point, needs, and progress.
Weeks 1–2
Establish
Understanding the learner’s current knowledge and abilities in reading, writing, language, and literature.
Weeks 3–5
Strengthen
Developing important areas of knowledge and skill through focused teaching, reading, writing, and practice.
Weeks 6–8
Develop
Working with increasingly complex texts, ideas, language, and writing while building greater independence.
Weeks 9–11
Apply
Using developing knowledge and skills across reading, writing, discussion, and literary interpretation.
Week 12
Review and Next Steps
Reviewing important learning, considering progress, and identifying what should be continued or developed next.
What does a lesson look like?
A lesson may bring together several areas of English rather than treating them as separate exercises. The balance changes according to the learner’s current work and areas of focus.
Grammar in Context
Exploring grammar and language through sentences, texts, and the learner’s own writing.
Reading and Comprehension
Reading literary or other texts closely, developing understanding, interpretation, and response.
Writing
Developing ideas, structure, vocabulary, sentence control, and written expression.
Language and Vocabulary
Building knowledge of words, language choices, and how meaning is created.
Discussion and Response
Explaining ideas, asking questions, discussing texts, and responding thoughtfully.
Review and Reflection
Considering what has been learned and identifying areas for further attention.
Following Learning and Development
Learning is observed throughout the programme and used to shape what happens next.
Starting Point
Before the programme begins
We establish the learner’s current knowledge and abilities in reading, writing, language, and literature.
Learning & Development
Throughout the 12 weeks
We observe development through reading, writing, discussion, language work, and independent tasks.
Progress
As learning develops
We consider what is becoming more secure, what is developing, and where further teaching or practice is needed.
Next Steps
At the end of the 12 weeks
We use what we have learned to determine what to continue, strengthen, extend, or introduce next.
Questions you may have
How do you decide where my child should begin?
The programme begins with an understanding of the child’s current knowledge and abilities in reading, writing, language, and literature. This helps determine what needs to be strengthened and what can be developed next.
Can lessons support my child’s schoolwork?
Yes. Where useful, lessons can take account of the texts, assignments, topics, or areas of English currently being covered at school. The Secondary English programme remains its own programme, however, rather than simply reproducing a child’s school curriculum.
What if my child is stronger in some areas of English than others?
This is common. Teaching is adjusted to the child’s particular profile, so stronger areas can be extended while areas requiring more attention receive focused teaching and practice.
Will my child receive feedback on their writing?
Yes. Writing is developed through teaching, guided practice, independent writing, and feedback. Attention may be given to ideas, organisation, vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and the effectiveness of the writing as a whole.
What happens after the 12-week programme?
At the end of the programme, the child’s learning and development are reviewed and the Studio identifies appropriate next steps. Depending on the child’s needs, this may involve continuing with further English study, extending particular areas, or working towards a different set of learning goals.
Interested in Secondary English?
If you would like to enquire about the Secondary English programme, you can say a little about your child and what you are looking for.