Unlocking Potential with Literacy Skills
At Stretford High School we believe Literacy is the foundation of learning. We think of Literacy as a multitude of important life skills.
The Importance of Literacy
Why Literacy Matters
Literacy is the cornerstone of education and personal development. It enables students to engage with the world, understand complex concepts, and express themselves clearly. Mastery of literacy skills such as reading fluency, vocabulary expansion, and comprehension is crucial for academic achievement and future career success. By nurturing these skills, we prepare students to navigate and contribute to society effectively.
Reading fluency
Can students recognise sound patterns and identify words correctly?
Vocabulary
Can students recognise, understand and use a wide range of vocabulary – to express their ideas and their learning accurately?
Reading comprehension
Can students understand what they have read and use reading to gather information about a topic?
Reading for deeper meaning and knowledge extension
Can students enhance their understanding of a topic by reading around the subject?
Reading for pleasure
Do students have access to an exciting variety of texts and choose to read for their own enjoyment?
Speaking to communicate ideas
Can students communicate what they think clearly and appropriately?
Can students communicate their ideas effectively through writing?
Can they write neatly and accurately using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Reading Across the Curriculum
To support your child’s growth in reading, writing, and communication, we have implemented a comprehensive literacy strategy that ensures every student has access to the tools they need to thrive. Here’s what we offer:
Learning Important Vocabulary
We teach key words (called Tier 2 vocabulary) that your child will use across different subjects, helping them understand lessons better.
Improving Reading Comprehension
In every subject, we show students how to break down and understand what they read, giving them strategies they can use in any class.
Weekly CARE Activities
These special reading tasks help students think deeply about what they’re reading and also support their wellbeing by encouraging reflection and critical thinking.
Encouraging a Love for Reading
Welcoming Library
Our library is a vibrant space filled with books for all interests. We also run clubs to inspire students to read for fun.
Regular Reading Lessons
Weekly English lessons include time for reading and library visits to help students connect with books and develop a love for literature.
Reading Support
Checking Reading Levels
We regularly assess your child’s reading to see how well they understand and read accurately. This helps us offer the right support when needed.
Extra Help When Needed
We provide tailored support for students who need a little extra help to build their reading skills and confidence.
Developing Writing and Communication Skills
Targeted Feedback
Teachers give clear, focused advice to help students improve their writing skills, like organising ideas and writing clearly.
Building Writing Confidence
Weekly lessons strengthen grammar and punctuation skills from primary school and help students write with accuracy and style.
Speaking with Confidence
We encourage all students to improve their speaking skills, helping them communicate clearly and structure their ideas.
Testing
We test your child’s reading age score twice a year to ensure we are supporting your child’s learning needs. On your child’s school report you will see their score reported as:
| Mastery | Your child is reading at or above the expected level for their age |
| Developing | Your child is developing their reading and is not quite at the expected level for their age, they can read well with support but might struggle reading independently |
| Emerging | Your child is still learning how to read effectively and is below the expected level for their age – they need lots of support to understand texts |
To understand more about how your child is tested, what their score means and how you can support your child please watch the linked video.
More information on how you can support your child reading can be found in the linked support sheet.
School Library
We have a wonderful school library full to the brim of exciting fiction and non-fiction, poetry and comic books – our skilled Librarian runs events throughout the year to celebrate reading – why not check out our Library page? (Link to the library page to go here)
To learn more about how you can support your child read Encouraging A Love of Reading in Older Children.
Useful links:
Ten ‘must reads’ for 11-13 year olds
Useful questions to ask your child about their reading:
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- Tell me what happened in the section you just read.
- What did you like/dislike about your reading today?
- What questions do you still have? Were there any bits you didn’t understand?
- Did you have a favourite bit? Why?
- Which character did you like/ dislike? Why?
- How difficult was the language? Explain.
- Did you learn any new words?
- What do you think will happen next? Why?
- Does the book cover match the story? Why?
- Were there any funny/sad/emotional/angry parts? Can you find a quote to show me this?
- Who would you recommend this book to? What types of interest would the person have?
- Does what you have read today remind you of anything else you have read or seen before?