Literacy and numeracy

What is Literacy?

Literacy is not just about the ability to read and write, but the individual’s capacity to put those skills into practice across the curriculum and throughout everyday life outside of school to shape a healthy and successful life. Famous educator, Paulo Freire once described literacy as being able to “read the word and the world”.

The Littlehampton Academy’s philosophy

We strongly agree with educators and multiple researchers who claim that young people who read for pleasure do better at school. It’s a simple philosophy that can make a huge difference. We expect all students to read outside of school hours, for at least 20 minutes a day. We believe that if children see their parents reading at home, they are more likely to want to do the same and develop a love for reading. The same goes for writing.

Tips for parents

Parents, you can make a difference by simply modelling some of the below!

• Find time to read with your child every day for 20 minutes.
• Encourage discussion about the books your child reads. What is it about? Who are the main characters? How do they change throughout the story? What kind of language does the author use to convey emotions, opinions, character, etc.
• Encourage your child to keep a journal of books read and an analysis of each one. This could be electronic, of course (an e-Portfolio, on twitter, a blog, etc!).
• Encourage your child to keep a journal of their experiences when on school holidays. Journals/ diaries are great ways for children to harness memories, consider their feelings, and to be creative.
• Ask them to get involved with all the annual literacy events at the Academy!

Our strategies and practices:

We also offer a wide range of literacy experiences at the Academy such as:

• DEAR time (Drop Everything and Read, once a week in tutor time)
• Poetry Karaoke
• Accelerated Reader (for all KS3 students)
• Rapid Plus reading programme (to support lower levels of literacy)
• Community Volunteer Readers from the local community
• Half termly literacy focusses across the Academy
• Word of the Week (WOW)
• Literacy mats in each department to support the quality of extended writing
• Subject specific terminology is an integrated part of learning in ALL classes
• 16 by 16 (read 16 influential books by the age of 16)
• 18 by 18 (for Sixth Form)

Impact

Students who read and write better can access work more easily and get to grips with analysis and evaluation. This helps develop confident, independent individuals who can access a world of opportunities beyond examination cycles!