Literacy Enrichment

As we approach the end of Semester 1, it is a valuable time to reflect on our work this year to strengthen literacy across the College. As a staff, we have been building students’ skills in planning, drafting and editing their writing, particularly when responding in extended forms beyond a few simple sentences. This collective approach ensures students receive a consistent message across all subject areas about the importance of thinking carefully, organising ideas and refining their work.

Whether students are writing an analytical paragraph in English, explaining a mathematical process, composing a scientific report or contrasting historical perspectives, they are being encouraged to plan their response, draft, and edit thoughtfully. Our current focus is on the editing phase of the writing process, with particular attention being given to how ideas connect clearly at the word, sentence and paragraph levels.

Through explicit teaching of sentence structures, alongside grammar and punctuation relevant to each subject area, students are developing both the confidence and the tools needed to communicate their understanding effectively. This approach not only supports stronger writing outcomes, but also encourages deeper thinking and clearer expression across the curriculum. 

Finally, writing cannot improve without reading. There is a deep connection between reading and writing as strong readers are exposed to a wider range of vocabulary, sentence structures, ideas and ways of communicating. 

We encourage parents and carers to continue reading with teenagers and talking about what they are reading. Reading together is not just important in primary school; in fact, these secondary years are particularly significant, as this is often the time when reading habits begin to decline. With the rapid changes in technology and increasing screen time, many young people are reading less than ever before. In our next newsletter, some practical ideas for how parents and carers can engage with and support their teenager’s reading at home will be shared. 

Mrs Rebecca Sadler | Leader of Learning - Literacy Enrichment