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Curriculum

Literacy

At John Kyrle High School, we are committed to improving literacy and providing students with the reading skills to enable them to succeed throughout school and into their adult lives.  Literacy is part of every lesson, but also forms part of the KS3 curriculum as a discreet lesson taught with access to both computers and the library.


Key Staff

Mrs R Meikle – Literacy Lead
Mrs S Clements - Librarian


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What do we do:

  • Provide teaching in smaller ‘nurture groups’ with additional adult support where possible.
  • Prioritise teaching of literacy skills as well as building on curriculum knowledge.
  • Teach students strategies for reading texts including tracking and reciprocal reader skills.
  • Provide students with regular exposure to high quality texts via subjects and tutor time reading.
  • Provide opportunities for students to access the library and our vast selection of texts.
  • Reward, praise and celebrate successes in reading.
  • Provide opportunities for students to read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts as part of our Tutor Time Reading Programme designed to expand their vocabulary and broaden their wider knowledge of the world.
  • Provide all KS3 students with access to Reading Plus as part of literacy lessons and English homework.
  • Targeted students will receive additional support through the tutor time intervention programme

The Library
The library is situated in the heart of the English department, providing access to books for all students to read for pleasure. Throughout the year, our librarian runs events such as quizzes, games, themes of the month etc. as well as our new rewards programme launching in September 2024. Mrs Clements is available at break times and during literacy lessons to support any student with selecting books or to help with Reading Plus.
 
What is Reading Plus?

  • A computer adaptive reading test that gives current information about child’s reading level in terms of fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary knowledge. The programme adapts assignments to suit each individual child.
  • Students are able to select texts to read online and complete quizzes targeting key areas of comprehension.
  • Helps teachers to monitor progress and to see where your children might need further support in their reading.
  • All students in KS3 use Reading Plus. They receive one dedicated lesson a fortnight in which they are expected to spend at least half an hour completing assignments in Year 8 and 9. In Year 7, they receive two hours. Students are expected to complete their individual assignments on the programme each week as part of lessons and English homework.

 
How can I support my child at home?
We know that your role at home is invaluable in helping students to develop their literacy skills, so it is vital that we all work together. 


Some ways you can help your child at home are:

  • Encourage your child to find books and engage in reading at home with them.
  • Visit a book shop or library – charity shops are great places to find new books to read!
  • Support them to complete their Reading Plus assignments
  • Talk! About your day, the news, sports, GBBO etc. etc.
  • Read with your child. Encourage them to track the text and use the reciprocal reading method when reading.
  • When completing homework, encourage your child to speak their answer in a full sentence before writing it down.
  • Visit websites such as The National Literacy Trust, Words for Life and The Reading Agency for more ideas.

 
Recommended websites

Recommended Reading Lists

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