Literacy

Welcome to One Stop Literacy Shop

At Welling School, we are committed to fostering a culture of reading that aligns with our core values of being Ambitious, Kind, and Active. We believe that reading is fundamental to building successful futures, enhancing students' academic, personal development, and well-being.

Books

Our Reading Journey

Students embark on a comprehensive reading journey during form time, exploring literature from diverse time periods, cultures, and topics. This shared experience:

  • Broadens horizons

  • Fosters empathy

  • Ignites curiosity

By engaging with different perspectives, students travel to new worlds through the power of words.

Reading Across the Curriculum

Recognizing that reading is the cornerstone of all learning, our teachers integrate reading and new vocabulary within each subject area. This approach ensures that students:

  • Develop comprehension of complex texts

  • Engage in subject-specific reading techniques

  • Build confidence in literacy across disciplines

How do we do this?

  • Teaching specialist vocabulary in all lessons

  • Using Sparx Reader and Star Reader to track progress

  • Encouraging reading for pleasure through clubs, book swaps, and events

Why Focus on Literacy?

Ofsted 2023 Report:

  • Leaders have a well-planned approach to reading.

  • Phonics support is available to help pupils develop reading fluency.

  • Pupils choose books that match their reading age.

  • Leaders are developing a culture of reading in school.

  • Pupils are beginning to enjoy reading for pleasure.

Our Intent

A whole-school culture of reading for pleasure, where data is used at every level to enthuse and extend students, creating a curriculum and environment rich in reading opportunities.

What Does Reading for Pleasure Look Like at Welling School?

  • Staff book swap & Staff Reading Club (coming soon!).

  • Promoting a love of reading through World Book Day (WBD).

  • Termly library challenges to engage students.

  • Book club during break time for student discussions.

How Do We Showcase a Curriculum Rich in Reading?

  • Ensuring that the texts students read engage and stimulate, fostering a love of reading.

  • Encouraging whole-class reading in lessons.

  • Building vocabulary across subjects.

Opportunities for Literacy Development Beyond the Classroom

  • Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) sessions.

  • Personal Development (PD) experiences related to reading.

  • Clubs – including Newspaper and Book Club.

  • Celebrations of culture through literacy activities (e.g., Easter events).

  • Webinars and guest speakers on literacy topics.

  • Oracy and Debate activities during Period 6.

Providing Additional Support

  • Star Reader and Sparx Reader assessments to track student progress.

  • Identifying literacy gaps through data analysis.

  • Student Readers as Leaders (Yr12) – mentoring younger students.