1. Literacy Across Learning
Information for parents of new S1 pupils

3. Literacy lies at the heart of achievement and attainment for pupils
In all curricular areas, Literacy already forms a substantial part of learning. Many of the Literacy Experiences and Outcomes are already embedded within learners’ classroom experiences across subjects.
There is a clear link between Literacy skills and attainment
As part of the Broad General Education (BGE) pupils should be able to recognise where and when they use Literacy skills
All staff should develop the advanced literacy skills of children and young people in order to challenge their thinking and actively involve them in their learning. (from 3-18 review)

4. How do we do this?
The English department nurtures a love of reading, analytical skills, and also teaches many of the technical aspects of reading, writing, talking and listening
However, all teachers are involved in the delivery of key components of literacy under the Broad General Education
A series of benchmarks has been produced to help pupils recognise when and how they are deploying their literacy skills in all subject areas

5. Developing knowledge of literacy in junior school
What we’ve done:
Across the school
Pilot Literacy Passport scheme
Six week block on developing core literacy skills delivered by librarian during PSE time
Interdisciplinary learning opportunities (Narnia)
In English
Developed a dynamic reading and discussion based reading programme to monitor and develop reading habits (Books and Beyond)
Carnegie Shadowing group to develop deep reading in pupils (opt in programme)

8. How successful have we been?
Extensive student sampling and evaluations have been generally very positive
Pupils’ reading habits are developing very well
Developed teachers’ expertise in delivering literacy outcomes within their own subject areas

9. What we will be doing
Literacy passport scheme to be rolled out for entire S1 intake of 2017/18
This will help pupils to think about learning and raise the profile of literacy skills in relation to all aspects of their education
Modify and develop six week block of literacy lessons to be delivered by our librarians
Continue to work in English to develop appreciation of literature and technical aspects of literacy

10. What can parents do? Talk to your child about books!
Ask them about literacy work at school. Ask to see their literacy passport and encourage them to keep it up to date. Remind them to take it to school every day.
For English, make sure that they share their reading targets with you, which should be written in their homework planners on a weekly basis
Make sure you sign their planner when they meet the target
Ask them about the books they read: what they enjoy and why etc.