Literacy and Numeracy Catch-Up Premuim

Interventions 2023 - 2024

‘Literacy is fundamental for success in school and beyond. Young people who leave school without good literacy skills are held back at every stage of their lives.’

Sir Kevan Collins, former chief executive of the EEF

At Oaklands School, we recognise that literacy is an integral element to enable students to contribute and succeed in the wider society; it is also an essential part of teaching and learning in all subjects. There is a clear whole school focus on literacy, that all teachers have a responsibility to develop students’ competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening in their own subjects.  We aim to ensure that students become competent users of language, and can access the curriculum effectively and go on to achieve their full potential. 

Our commitment to a strong drive in literacy stems from the knowledge that any students with poor literacy can be effectively supported through a number of interventions. We promote reading for pleasure; the form time routine includes weekly guided reading, and each form has reading tubs in rooms. 

We have also invested in Thinking Reading, an intervention that uses evidence-based approaches to improve students’ literacy skills. The intervention uses rigorous, thorough assessments to identify student needs and are followed by intensive one-to-one intervention. 

At the start of the academic year, all students in years 7 to 11 sit an online assessment which generates their reading age.  This data allows staff working with students to ensure differentiation to allow students to access the learning.

There are also a number of enrichment activities students can take part in, such as book club, reading competitions and words of the week.  The library also has very active, enthusiastic student librarians who promote activities in the library and help to ensure book shelves are well replenished.

At Oaklands, we are dedicated to the improvement of students’ literacy levels because we know it is vital to ensuring their success in all areas of the curriculum and in wider society.