Literacy

Below you will find information on our DEIS plan for Literacy. The postholders with responsibility for this pillar are Letitia Enright and Frainc O'Broin

Rationale for our Literacy Targets:

Over the past three years Mercy Inchicore has enjoyed a renewal in the joy of all things reading and literacy. This has come about due to passionate staff members who worked tirelessly to reopen an amazing library space, getting involved in initiatives including Creative Schools and Books Ireland. While staff, students and parents are enjoying our new spaces and programmes we also recognise that there are still areas for improvement. 

Analysis of student attainment data highlighted that literacy difficulties were impacting learning across subjects. A significant cohort of Second Year students currently receive SEN and other targeted supports, with many presenting with low reading ages. We believe that improving literacy skills is essential to improving overall student outcomes.

In response to concerns about spelling and written accuracy, weekly spelling tests were introduced for First Years last year, beginning with Vocabulary Ninja and progressing to structured spelling assessments. However, staff identified that this cohort required a more consistent, whole-school literacy intervention to support progress across all subjects. This led to the development of a spelling specific target. 

In addition, the opening of a new library space revealed low levels of student engagement with reading. Surveys of students and class teachers showed that only one quarter of students held a positive attitude towards reading and writing. Given the central role of literacy in all areas of school life, this required targeted action. The targets below are designed to improve literacy skills, increase engagement with reading and writing, and support improved attainment across the curriculum.

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