2. Literacy matters because in every subject we need to read, write and communicate effectively. We will work together and continue to improve our literacy skills every day at RPS.

3.  Strong literacy skills will enable students to access increasingly complex subject content. This will build confidence and a love of learning in our students and support them in their progress.  Ongoing changes to the National Curriculum place a greater emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) in ALL subjects.

4. How is literacy promoted across the curriculum?  Through our whole-school marking policy (correct sentence construction, spelling, punctuation and grammar)  With help with key word spelling (list on the VLE)  With access to dictionaries (although sometimes it is useful for students to have a small one in their bag)  Through the promotion of reading (lessons, registrations and through small group intervention)  By providing differentiation and in-class support

5. How else can they continue to develop their literacy skills? They can:  Enjoy competing for house points through fun literacy activities  Join our writing clubs, have work published in RoundUp or enter a writing competition  Join one of our fun reading clubs  Participate in our spelling bees or the readathon  Complete Yr 7 reading passports  READ WIDELY AND OFTEN AT HOME

6. 'Reading for pleasure at the age of 15 is a strong factor in determining future social mobility. Indeed, it has been revealed as the most important indicator of the future success of the child.’ Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust

7.  What have they read recently?  What sort of reading do they enjoy?  What should they be reading?  How could you help to broaden their reading horizons?  When is the last time you heard them read?

8. Spelling strategies are taught in Yr 7 schemes of work and in the Literacy Hour. We use and promote the following methods: 1. Prefixes and suffixes 2. Root words 3. Over-articulation (exaggerating certain sounds or parts of words) 4. Mnemonics (big elephants can always understand small elephants) 5. Look, say, cover, write, check 6. Syllables 7. Letter patterns 8. Dice spelling!

9.  Their teachers and in-class support  Spelling and punctuation reminders in planners  On the VLE  Resources in the library  Homework Club  Spelling Club  Reading support  The Open Dyslexia font is available on school computers