Disciplinary Literacy

Literacy is a key focus across all curriculum areas at Bradford Academy. We understand that learners must have strong foundational literacy to be successful in all subjects. We are committed to developing a culture for reading, expanding vocabulary and enabling our learners to engage with the wider world.

Studies have shown that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the UK are functionally illiterate and 1 in 4 children has not reached the expected level of reading by the age of 11. With this in mind, we are focused on preparing learners to leave our academy with the fundamental literacy skills that will enable them to be confident and successful in their futures.

Reading

Aim

To allow learners a variety of opportunities to engage with reading, for both academics and pleasure.

How do we do this?

KS3 learners will have one lesson a week timetabled into the library for literacy, in which they will have dedicated time to read a book of their choice. They must always keep their reading book with them as part of their required equipment. At KS4, learners will be given opportunities to read across all subject areas, including a range of complex texts.

Opportunities to read will be embedded throughout the school day, including in form time, electives and during break time.

Students in KS3 will take part in a termly reading test, providing staff with detailed data of their students’ reading and spelling abilities. Specialist intervention will be implemented for learners who need support with their reading ability.

Writing

Aim

To provide learners with a range of opportunities to develop their writing abilities. Learners will focus on improving their technical accuracy and communication.

How do we do this?

Teachers across the secondary phase use the Academy’s literacy marking policy to promote technical accuracy. The marking policy corrects errors, such as spelling, capital letters, punctuation, homophones and tenses.

All staff address literacy within their lessons, tailoring their feedback to their specific subject. Learners are encouraged to use opportunities to write in variety of formats and styles to promote the develop of communication skills.

Oracy

Aim

To develop our students’ ability to communicate fluently and effectively in variety of settings.

How do we do this?

In lessons, staff use the strategy of ‘cold-calling’ to give all learners an opportunity to share answers and receive feedback. When discussing lesson content, staff will use questioning to encourage learners to develop their answers further and consider how they can communicate their ideas effectively.

Lessons are intentionally planned to include structured talk time, for learners to discuss their ideas and strengthen their understanding. Coaching is given to learners on how they deliver their answers and which vocabulary they should be using to best convey their thoughts.

Further information on literacy:

The LRC also utilises the following resources: