Understanding of whole school literacy has changed remarkably over recent years. Schools are focusing much more strategically on disciplinary literacy and the explicit teaching of the reading, writing and oracy within each subject, and understanding that the responsibility for setting and achieving high standards of literacy rests with all teachers, not just with the English department.
A key document for literacy and reading leaders, the DfE's updated non-statutory guidance now covers the teaching of reading up to and including Year 9. Strongly recommended.
Materials in this section can be useful for literacy or whole-school reading leaders and summarise key messages around whole-school reading policy and practice.
Slides and notes from guidance presentation for literacy leaders with responsibility for developing whole school reading.
A very simple reminder of a straightforward sequence around reading challenging texts which can be used by teachers of any subject.
Simple suggestions for creating a culture of reading within school, including reading for pleasure.
Enormously useful documents focusing on improving whole school literacy are available from the Education Endowment Foundation: these are essential reading for literacy leaders and teachers everywhere. The double-page spread digests can be swiftly and effectively shared with time-poor teachers. It is well worth reading the documents around KS1 and KS2 literacy as well as the KS3-4 documents to see the priorities for developing literacy below secondary level.
EEF Guidance Report - Improving Literacy in Secondary Schools
EEF Guidance Report - Improving Literacy at Key Stage 2
EEF Guidance Report - Improving Literacy at Key Stage 1
The Oracy All-Party Parliamentary Group Report and Recommendations