Literacy

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Literacy

At Lord Derby Academy all teachers are teachers of literacy. As such, the staff of Lord Derby Academy are committed to developing literacy skills in all of our pupils, in the belief that it will support their learning and raise standards across the curriculum, because:

  • pupils need vocabulary, expression and organisational control to cope with the cognitive demands of subjects
  • reading helps us to learn from sources beyond our immediate experience;
  • writing helps us to sustain and order thought;
  • language helps us to reflect, revise and evaluate the things we do, and on the things others have said, written or done;
  • responding to higher order questions encourages the development of thinking skills and enquiry;
  • improving literacy and learning can have an impact on pupils’ self-esteem, motivation and behaviour. It allows them to learn independently. It is empowering.

Reading

We aim to give pupils a level of literacy that will enable them to cope with the increasing demands of subjects in terms of specific skills, knowledge and understanding. This applies particularly in the area of reading (including from the screen), as texts become more demanding.

  • We will build on and share existing good practice. We will teach pupils strategies to help them to: read with greater understanding; locate and use information; follow a process or argument; summarise; synthesise and adapt what they learn from their reading.
  • We aim to create a culture within Lord Derby Academy where ‘Reading for Pleasure’ is a valued activity shared by all.

Writing

It is important that we provide for co-ordination across subjects to recognise and reinforce pupils’ language skills, through:

  • Making connections between pupils’ reading and writing, so that pupils have clear models for their writing;
  • Using the modelling process to make explicit to pupils how to write;
  • Being clear about audience and purpose;
  • Providing opportunities for a range of writing including sustained writing.

Speaking and Listening

We will teach pupils to use language precisely and coherently. They should be able to listen to others, and to respond and build on their ideas and views constructively.
We will develop strategies to teach pupils how to participate orally in groups and in the whole class, including: using talk to develop and clarify ideas; identifying the main points to arise from a discussion; listening for a specific purpose; discussion and evaluation.

Staff training needs will be met through modules in the ‘Literacy Toolkit’ folder, which contains useful strategies such as the management of group talk and listening.

Literacy Curriculum Pathway

Literacy Curriculum Pathway

Literacy Faculty:

Mrs S Venables: Head of Whole School Literacy
Mrs F Fletcher: Head of English
Miss L Morris: Classroom Teacher, Literacy
Mrs H Grisdale: Classroom Teacher, English
Mrs Mullally: Classroom Teacher, English
Mrs Lancaster: Classroom Teacher, English
Miss A Barry: Classroom Teacher, English
Mrs E O’Reilly: Classroom Teacher, English
Mrs C Phillips: Assistant Headteacher, Classroom Teacher, English
Miss C Thwaite: SENDCO
Ms K Privilege: Teaching Assistant

Parents of pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9

Evidence shows that when family members talk to their children and share books they help children to develop important literacy skills. Parents and carers are a crucial influence on what their children experience and achieve. By encouraging your child to read at home you will be supporting a vital life skill. LDA is a reading school and supports reading for pleasure.

E-Library:

Knowsley Library Service:

Huyton Library is now open for Browsing, Select and Collect service and PC access.

Borrowing e-books:

The library website and online catalogue are available to access online. You can use this site to borrow eBooks and eAudioBooks as normal.

yourlibrary@knowsley.gov.uk.

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