Across the school this year, we will be focusing on improving the literacy of all our students. We all see the huge benefits that this has on our students, in every aspect of their life and we hope that you are already seeing the benefit at home.
Our first focus of this academic year has been vocabulary:
We are, in particular, helping students to improve their knowledge and understanding of Tier 3 words that are specific to the subjects that they are studying. By doing so, students will be better able to navigate their lessons, as they feel confident in using a range of words.
We are, in particular, helping students to improve their knowledge and understanding of Tier 3 words that are specific to the subjects that they are studying. By doing so, students will be better able to navigate their lessons, as they feel confident in using a range of words.
| Tier | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 |
Words occur frequently in everyday life - such words generally are not worth teaching explicitly as they will be absorbed via natural exposure. |
| Tier 2 |
Words that occur across a range of domains are characteristic of written texts and occur less frequently in oral language. |
| Tier 3 |
Words consist of technical vocabulary specific to a certain domain or discipline. They are subject specific and highly specialised. |
These words form the Keystone Vocabulary for each unit in a subject – the most important words that we need our students to know and understand. As part of this, we have introduced Frayer Models across the school.
Frayer model example:
They are a simple yet effective way to organise our knowledge of the keystone vocabulary. Students will be completing these in class collaboratively, as well as independently, as part of their home learning across all year groups. Students will become more confident in their use of these words and will further develop their word consciousness moving forwards.
All our students have taken to this initiative with excitement and inquisitiveness. Ask your children what new words they have learnt this week and what they mean? We have seen some amazing work from our students in all years, confidently being able to discuss the etymology and morphology of some really complex words. You will be amazed at the wonderful work they have done!
Our next strategy will to investigate how we engage students in the reading of academic texts – looking at approaches to reading across the curriculum and then approaches to writing across the curriculum. Watch this space for more information!
In addition to whole school literacy skills development, we also offer additional literacy support within the curriculum, as follows:
Literacy support for students who have dropped MFL in order to concentrate on developing literacy skills. Programmes used to enhance learning:
Programme used for students with Reading Scores and Spelling Standardised Scores below average on entry, (baseline assessments).
AQA Entry Level Certificate, to prepare students for GCSE studies in English. Students transition from Language Through Literacy to this programme, delivered in Year 9.
