Aspire

Aspire is our super curricular programme for high-attaining pupils.

“High quality teaching benefits all, but high prior attainers can plateau without challenge”.

Education Endowment Foundation

The government defines students who attained Key Stage 2 score of or above 110 in English and Maths as high prior attaining students. At the John Roan School we also place students with a MIDYIS score of or above 117 to within the high prior attaining category.

Our approach to teaching

At the John Roan School our priority is to provide all our children with quality first teaching. We track progress after every mid-term and end of year students to ensure students are placed in the correct teaching groups which enables teachers to challenge appropriately.

Outside of the classroom, we provide students with a range of extra-curricular clubs and trips which broadens their knowledge beyond the classroom setting.

Aspire: The Super Curricular

Mathematics Excellence

MEF (Maths Endowment Fund): Advanced problem-solving, collaborative challenges, and enrichment sessions for students with a strong interest in mathematics

Participation in national maths challenges and competitions

Law, Debate and Critical Thinking

Mock Trials Programme: Students take part in realistic legal cases, developing skills in argument, analysis, and public speaking

Debate Mate: Debating and public speaking opportunities, including competitions and showcases

Academic Societies and Student Leadership

Philosophy club: Each week we explore a different philosopher or philosophical topic, starting witha brief introduction followed by an open discussionand debate among students.

Arabic club: A space where students can learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet, along with building a foundation in basic concepts and conversational phrases.

Student Council

Brilliant Club

Students attend university style lectures on a super-curricula topic. This year it was on ‘Formation of Memories’

Students complete a 5000-word project at the end of the course

Extended Project Qualification(sixth form)

Opportunities to complete extended research projects and independent enquiries

Development of critical thinking, academic writing, and research skills

Careers and Real-World Application

Guest speakers, visiting professionals, and alumni talks have included:
- Leah Choudhary (First British Asian woman to cross the English Channel)
- Stuart Lawrence
- Lorin D’Costa (Grand Chess Master)
- Levi Rozman

Programmes such as Model United Nations and subject-specific career pathways such as Mock trial for students aiming to read Law

Insight into careers including law, medicine, STEM, and the humanities

Educational Visits and Partnerships

University visits and academic trips to broaden horizons for example, trip to Mansfield College Oxford for Y11 and Y12s.

Opportunities to engage with external organisations and enrichment providers, for example, Future Maths workshop at LSE for Y7.

We are committed to continually developing our HPA provision.

Forthcoming initiatives include:

An HPA Lecture Series, where students engage with academic talks given by Subject Leads

Expanded partnerships with universities and external organisations.

A structured Super-Curricular Portfolio, enabling students to track and reflect on their academic enrichment.

What role can parents play in supporting the progress of High Prior Attaining students

At The John Roan School, we recognise the vital role parents play in supporting the progress of all high-potential students. To help foster positive attitudes towards learning and achievement, parents can support their child by:

Encouraging your child to read beyond the curriculum as engaging with high-quality texts will helps to broaden vocabulary.
Encouraging your child to participate in the extra-curricular clubs and activities, which help develop confidence, communication and interpersonal skills.
Encouraging your child to visit local museums, galleries and exhibitions to help broaden experiences and develop cultural capital.