“LITERACY IS A BRIDGE FROM MISERY TO HOPE. IT IS A TOOL FOR DAILY LIFE IN MODERN SOCIETY.” – KOFI ANNAN

At Aston Manor Academy, we pride ourselves on our dedication and commitment to improving literacy in all year groups for all students. For years we have done this through not only the design of our curriculum but also exciting, engaging opportunities to celebrate and improve literacy. This year alone, 2022-2023, we have celebrated a number of special days underpinned by literature.

• World Book Day
• International Women’s Day
• Book Fairs
• Poetry and Pose 

The Scholastic Book Fair was a particular highlight, with parents spending their hard-earned money on books for their children, collectively spending over £400 in one week!

The National Literacy Trust ran a project with Year 7 students where three local poets came to perform and discuss their poetry – an interactive and engaging session resulting in many student planners filled with autographs! 

Year 7 also started the Accelerated Reader programme back in October to support and improve their reading ages. Students are thoroughly enjoying the programme with a buzz surrounding who will make the most improvement and go into the End of Year draw for prizes. 

The Great Big Book Swap was another success with staff and students donating their old books and swapping them for another. Over 70 books were rehomed and repurposed, ready for a new reader to get lost in the pages. 

Year 10 and Sixth Form students have been exceptional in their weekly form time paired reading sessions with Year 7 and Year 8 students. Such initiatives aim to improve reading fluency. A sense of calm overcomes the school on a Thursday morning as these pairs are seen and celebrated around the school. 

There is so much that has already been achieved to ensure that reading and literacy is embedded in the culture of Aston Manor both in and out of the classroom.