Literacy

(Instagram @uca_literacy)

At UCA, the development of literacy skills is at the heart of everything we do.

‘Teaching literacy to students means that they are given the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and form the foundation of modern life. Students that can't read effectively fail to grasp important concepts, score poorly on tests and ultimately, fail to meet educational milestones.’ (educationonline.ku.edu)

We place the utmost importance on developing reading, writing, and communication skills, both in lessons, and during social times. We aim to ensure that all students leave Unity City Academy well-equipped for a successful, highly literate, future.

For further reading and information, relating to the importance of literacy, please visit:

https://literacytrust.org.uk/information/what-is-literacy/

https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/school-themes/literacy/

Reading

Reading is the most important activity students conduct to: develop their vocabulary, writing, and comprehension skills. Countless studies have proved the academic benefits of reading across all areas of the curriculum. Reading is a priority at Unity City Academy and a strong emphasis is placed upon it.

Our aim is to nurture a love of reading. Students are allocated time to complete reading, both independently (during lessons/tutorial time) and as a group. Our new Reading Mentor programme also sees Year 10 and 11 students supporting ourdeveloping KS3 readers.

Staff model positive reading behaviours and frequently engage in conversations with students about books they recommend or have recently read.

The Library is an excellent resource that is well stocked to cater for all readers! Students are actively encouraged to loan books and increase their home reading time.

We have several whole school days which celebrate reading including: World Book Day, Share a Story Day and Read Aloud Day. Please view our gallery to see students and staff joining in these celebrations.

Parents/carers are encouraged to support us in our drive to improve literacy and there are many ways you can support engagement in reading: discuss books, read with your child or allow them to read to you, ensure that reading materials are available in the home (students can visit the library and take out up to three books at a time - we welcome recommendations and requests from students too.)

Further suggestions can be found here:

https://www.education.gov.scot/parentzone/Documents/ReadingTips_SecondaryEN.pdf

Please feel free to contact a member of the Literacy Team, should you have any ideas to further develop reading within our literacy programme.

Writing: Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

‘Writing is an essential life skill. Writing is the primary basis upon which one's work, learning, and intellect will be judged—in school, in the workplace and in the community. Writing equips us with communication and thinking skills. ... ‘ Writing makes our thinking and learning visible and permanent.’ (What families can do to help students succeed.doc (district196.org)

At UCA, we place equal emphasis on writing, reading and communication. A large part of successful writing is the ability to spell accurately, punctuate to a high standard and be grammatically correct.

Unity City Academy takes a cohesive and consistent approach to this with all departments using strategies to allow students to progress in these areas. A variety of resources are used which include: writing maps, literacy resource cards, word banks, keyword keyrings, and vibrant, informative displays.

Along with reading and the appropriate use of vocabulary students are expected to demonstrate the highest levels of spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). SPaG is taught across the year groups and students are aware of the ‘non-negotiables’ which corroborate their prior learning and seals the high standards of literacy within the Academy.

Support is given to students via: classroom tasks, displays, 1-2-1 or small group work, home learning tasks and resources to use both in class and around school. Students are expected to utilise the resources and develop an independent approach to improving their literacy skills.

Some practical tips for supporting writing at home:

- Take an interest in what they are writing about in different subjects in school.

- Encourage your child to read interesting newspaper and magazine articles (reading frequently has a huge, positive impact upon writing).

- Spontaneous spelling tests.

- Encourage them to write articles or letters for example: a newsletter for the local community, or even a diary of what they have learnt during their school day (also building their meta-thinking skills).

Communication: Oracy

As an Academy we are developing a focus on oracy and the formal speech that students will need once they leave us.

Whilst we celebrate diversity of dialects and accents, it is important to acknowledge the various situations which require differing degrees of formality. Along with building confidence, we want students to become great orators - able to articulate their views in an appropriate way.

To support this drive, students are expected to give detailed feedback using oracy scaffolds, stand to deliver any longer answers and remember that when speaking to staff or fellow students, they should do so in a polite and articulate manner. We appreciate that this is not easy for all students and offer support, encouragement and guidance to ensure that students are able to develop confidence and ability within this area.

In January 2021, the UCA Oracy Olympics was launched, which allows students to write a speech on a theme linked to our tutorial sessions and then present this to their peers. We have some amazing orators in the making! This year will see us continue this initiative through inter-tutorial group competitions - further information will be delivered with our social media platforms.

The Education Endowment Foundation recommends schools focus on speaking and listening interventions explaining that the impact of initiatives like the Oracy Olympics can improve student development by +6 months.

The aforementioned strategies for improving speaking and listening, directly link with the EEF suggestions which are:

• ‘targeted reading aloud and book discussion with young children;

• explicitly extending pupils’ spoken vocabulary;

• the use of structured questioning to develop reading comprehension; and

• the use of purposeful, curriculum-focused, dialogue and interaction.’ Oral language interventions | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk)

Encouraging students to speak formally within school will aid their confidence and ability when moving on to their next steps, whether this be: college, apprenticeship or the world of work.

Oracy can be supported at home too:

- Take time to talk to your child. Although this may seem obvious, it is becoming more and more difficult to find quality time, as a family, to talk about your day.

- Discuss topical issues that they are interested in.

- Encourage them to put down their mobile phone/tablet, and talk to you, rather than spend too much time interacting through social media.

- Encourage them to participate in social activities in the community that involve them talking, for example drama groups, singing clubs, and voluntary work.

We actively welcome suggestions from parents/carers and look forward to collaborating with you for future home and school literacy projects. Please contact Mrs Armstrong at the Academy should you have any suggestions or questions linked to literacy within the Academy.

Literacy Team:

Mrs A Armstrong Lead Practitioner - Literacy Lead (aarmstrong@unitycityacademy.org)

Mrs J Brack SLT Literacy Link (jbrack@unitycityacademy.org)