Reading and Literacy

At St Andrew's, reading sits at the centre of learning. Every subject and every classroom play a part in helping students become confident, capable readers and communicators.

Current research strongly indicates that literacy is key to learning across all subjects in secondary school, and a strong predictor of outcomes in later life.

Disciplinary literacy is an approach to improving literacy across the curriculum that emphasises the importance of subject-specific support. We believe that all teachers should be supported to understand how to teach students to read, write and communicate effectively in their subjects.

Language and literacy provide us with the building blocks not just for academic success, but for fulfilling careers and rewarding lives. Developing a love of reading enables students to develop the skills needed to become life-long learners.

All students will:

• Take part in weekly literacy sessions during form time, building reading, writing and communication skills across the year
• Read at least 3 books every academic year through their school curriculum
• Have access to the Learning Resource Centre outside of lesson time, before school, during break/lunch, and after school
• Be shown how to use the Learning Resource Centre, and find books and literature that capture their interest and imagination
• Benefit from disciplinary literacy displays in classrooms, showing subject-specific vocabulary and skills for reading, writing and communicating like a historian, scientist, mathematician and more
• Have access to bespoke literacy intervention where required
• Be given regular opportunities to develop their oracy skills, building confidence in speaking and communicating across subjects
• Be able to access reading and writing competitions throughout the year