Literacy

Intent 

Literacy is a fundamental part of learning at Brownhills Ormiston Academy. We believe that strong literacy skills give students the power to lead a life of choice and opportunity, both in school and beyond. Developing the ability to read, write, speak and listen with confidence allows students to access all aspects of our curriculum in greater depth, learn independently, and take pleasure in reading; a habit we hope they will carry for the rest of their lives. 

We believe the curriculum is the “holy grail” of teaching reading, because it teaches students to become expert readers, writers, orators and listeners in every subject. By focusing on literacy across the curriculum, we help students to use ambitious vocabulary and develop the ability to “read, write and talk like experts” in every subject discipline. Strong literacy improves self-esteem, motivation, and life chances, so it is at the heart of everything we do at BOA. 

Literacy with Personal Tutors 

In morning tutorials, students engage in a Read Aloud programme. A series of well-known novels has been chosen to be read aloud by Personal Tutors, while students follow the text in their own copy. Students learn new vocabulary, explore important themes, and most importantly, develop a love of reading. 

Tutorials also provide opportunities for students to engage in independent reading. Every student is expected to carry their own book with them as part of their daily equipment. Personal Tutors will keep a record of the books students are reading and share this with class teachers, Heads of Year, and SLT to ensure that students are reading the right books, at the right pace, and in the right amount of time. 

We want every student at BOA to borrow at least six books per year from our academy library and to explore texts beyond the classroom to develop their cultural capital and imagination. 

Help at Home Hint: Read and discuss books, articles or news stories with your children. Encourage them to explain what they have read and share their opinions. This will build both comprehension and confidence in speaking. 

Literacy in the Classroom 

In lessons, we teach students to read, write, and speak like experts in their subjects. Literacy looks different across disciplines: a good sentence in geography has different features from a good sentence in English; a scientist reads a text differently from a musician. Our curriculum teaches students to approach texts in ways that suit the demands of each subject. 

We provide explicit opportunities for disciplinary reading across the curriculum. Students are regularly introduced to high-quality academic texts within lessons to develop their comprehension, analytical, and critical reading skills. This ensures that they are challenged by demanding material and learn how to approach reading in a way that mirrors how subject specialists read and think.  

In lessons, teachers will read to students regularly to model high-quality examples of reading. This models effective prosody, expression and fluency, typical of expert readers which is proven to have a significant impact on reading development. 

To support this, we use structured talk, providing students with frameworks for discussion that can be transferred into writing. We also use explicit vocabulary and sentence instruction, drawing on The Hochman Method, to ensure that students are equipped with the academic language they need to think and communicate like specialists. 

Help at Home Hint: Ask your children what new vocabulary they learned in different subjects each day. Encourage them to explain their ideas clearly and precisely, using academic language. 

Literacy through Intervention 

We are committed to ensuring that every child makes progress in literacy, whatever their starting point. Our intervention programme includes: 

• Lexonik Leap and Advance, delivered by trained staff, which rapidly develops vocabulary knowledge and phonics strategies. 

• Paired Reading, in which students read aloud to an adult to improve their confidence and fluency. 

• Reading Mentoring, in which less confident readers are paired with older, more confident readers who support both their fluency and their love of books. This scheme also extends to our partnership with Watling Street Primary School, supporting younger pupils and helping to develop future readers of Brownhills Ormiston Academy. 

These interventions are designed to accelerate progress so that every student can access the wider curriculum, unlocking a life of choice and opportunity. 

Students are identified for this programme using their NGRT (New Group Reading Test) results, ensuring that support is targeted and evidence-based. 

Help at Home Hint: Encourage your child to read aloud to you at a steady pace, using techniques such as “finger tracking” to build fluency. 

Literacy through Enrichment 

Literacy at BOA extends beyond the classroom. Students have opportunities to apply their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in exciting and creative contexts: 

• School Newspaper, written and produced by students 

• The Brownhills Podcast, featuring student-produced stories and interviews 

• House Debating and House Public Speaking competitions, giving students the chance to refine their oracy and persuasive skills 

• Family Reading Mornings, where students and their families enjoy reading together in school 

• Library Walks, which encourage students to explore reading opportunities in the wider community. 

We also celebrate literacy through whole-academy events such as World Book Day and our House Arts Competitions, where students showcase short stories, poetry, speeches and performances. These opportunities allow students to see the power of literacy in action, linking the skills they develop in school to their future professional and personal lives. 

Help at Home Hint: Encourage your child be part of these opportunities to develop their reading and literacy skills. They are designed to be really enjoyable, which is why they have the potential to have such a positive impact on their continued reading and literacy progress. 

Literacy at Home 

While we work hard to develop literacy in school, we know that real progress happens when students practise regularly at home. At BOA, we expect all students to: 

• Read for at least 20 minutes every night, 

• Read aloud at least once per week, either to an adult or a younger sibling, 

• Carry a book with them every day, 

• Borrow at least six books per year from our academy library, 

• Visit local libraries and engage with books as a family. 

We want families to read together, discuss stories, and make reading a shared, enjoyable part of home life. Every book read is another step towards a life of greater choice and opportunity. 

Help at Home Hint: Encourage your child to talk to you about their books. Ask them what they agree with, what they would like to build upon, and what they might challenge. This develops critical thinking and confidence.