Literacy

DID YOU KNOW…?

• Children who own a book are three times more likely to read above age expected level.
• Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of student success – more than their family circumstances or the environment they are raised in.
• There is a strong correlation between reading for pleasure and mental well-being.
• Reading for pleasure is one of the most significant indicators of a child’s exam success aged 16.
• Reading improves a child’s empathy skills.

ASTON MANOR ACADEMY’S LITERACY ETHOS

At Aston Manor Academy, we pride ourselves on our dedication and commitment to improving literacy in all year groups for all students.

Literacy is the cornerstone of education, empowering individuals to comprehend, communicate, and contribute effectively in a rapidly evolving world. 

At our school, we recognize the profound importance of literacy as the key to unlocking knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing a lifelong love for learning. Through a dedicated focus on literacy skills, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond. We aim to cultivate a community where literacy not only opens doors but also ignites a passion for exploration and understanding.

The Literacy team consists of a group of leaders who strive to support students at AMA, improving literacy skills widely across all subject areas, and through a commitment to inspiring a love of reading.

ACCELERATED READER

Accelerated Reader is a computer-based program for Year 7 and 8 used to monitor reading practice and progress. It helps staff to guide students to books at their individual reading level, then provides quizzes to check comprehension.

Year 7 and 8 students have one timetabled lesson in the Library where they read and complete their quizzes. They should also be reading for a minimum of 20 minutes every day – this is their ongoing English Homework.

Students can quiz by clicking the button below and using this code rp-18071045

PAIRED READING

The aims of paired reading, where Year 7 students read to Year 10 students, are:

• Enhancing Literacy Skills
• Building Confidence
• Promoting Collaboration
• Cultural Exchange
• Role Modeling
• Social Development
• Encouraging a Love for Reading
• Personalised Learning
• Supporting Transition
• Developing Listening Skills

FORM TIME READING

As part of their form Pastoral Programme, Year 7-10 read weekly in their form groups listening to their form tutor reading aloud. Listening to someone reading aloud has proven to:

• Build vocabulary 
• Improve comprehension and active listening 
• Reduce stress
• Improve working memory 
• Creates a classroom community 

Our current books are:

Year 7 – Welcome to Nowhere

Year 8 – Raspberries on the Yangtze

Year 9 – When life gives you mangoes

Year 10 – Short stories and articles, including Maya Angelou and Nelson Mandela

LIBRARY