There are lots of reasons why children enjoy literacy at KEPS. For a number of years we have been a Talk for Writing school, following a carefully designed approach to learning written by inspirational teacher-educator Pie Corbett. Talk for Writing focuses on ensuring that children are enabled to write independently by first imitating the vocabulary and composition they need to become successful. This has had a significant impact on the confidence children feel, as well as the quality of, written work in school.
Additionally, we have recently invested in Spelling Shed, a whole-school spelling approach which is having a positive impact on the spelling age and accuracy of our children, especially following COVID, lockdowns and remote learning. It is a fun and engaging way for our pupils to practise weekly spellings online at home and in school. It involves the type of challenges, quizzing and rewards that children love, and teachers have access to a wide range of supporting materials to teach spelling as part of a weekly timetable.
At KEPS we understand that the enjoyment and engagement children have in early reading is directly linked to their academic outcomes at GCSE and beyond, and even to their life expectancy. Therefore we are committed to ensuring that your child has every opportunity and support to become and happy and eager reader.
Reading for pleasure is a key part of our literacy activities, and as well as engaging whole-class reading lessons, designed to broaden vocabulary and widen vocabulary, all children are given opportunities to develop their own independent reading skills and enjoyment in quiet reading times.
We also encourage children to make regular recommendations to one another, organise relaxing reading and hot chocolate hours, take part in virtual and in-person author workshops and masterclasses, and immerse themselves in the magic of stories through guest events throughout the academic year.
In order to ensure our very youngest readers have the best possible start to reading, we have invested heavily in an exciting new Department for Education (DfE) validated systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP). Through an extensive range of beautifully illustrated books and resources, Rocket Phonics is designed so that all children ‘keep up rather than catch up’. Through well structured whole-class phonics lessons, practise and online books, and fully de-codable reading books, our children are making excellent progress in early reading, regardless of any set-backs the pandemic has presented.
Reading is at the heart of what we do!
