Literacy
The Importance of Literacy
Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
Lacking vital literacy skills holds a person back at every stage of their life. As a child, they won't be able to succeed at school, as a young adult they will be locked out of the job market, and as a parent, they won't be able to support their own child's learning. This intergenerational cycle makes social mobility and a fairer society more difficult.
People with low literacy skills may not be able to read a book or newspaper, understand road signs or price labels, make sense of a bus or train timetable, fill out a form, read instructions on medicine or use the internet.
At The Cottesloe School, we don't underestimate the importance and value of literacy. We use various means to engage our students with reading, especially when they start their journey with us in Year 7. We do this through our curriculum, Accelerated Reader Programme, library and clubs.
Supporting Your Child’s Reading
Parents and carers can make a huge difference to a young person’s attitude to reading. Without doubt, you are the most important educator in your child’s life and, as a result, encouraging and supporting their reading will ensure that they are well-equipped for their future.
TOP TIPS:
- Model reading at home. The more your child sees you reading, the more normal it becomes. Encourage your child to read for at least 20 mins 3 to 4 times per week. Consider reading with them and discussing characters and themes.
- Many of the most popular Netflix and On-Demand programming are based on novels, and many of these have associated books in a series (e.g. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.) Consider purchasing these texts to capitalise on your child’s interest.
- Where reading is a challenge, consider the use of an audiobook to listen to alongside the text. This reduces some of the reading strain and can allow for greater enjoyment.
General Information
School Librarian: Mrs. T. Farmer tfarmer@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk
AR Coordinator: Mrs. C. Oxley coxley@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk
Library Opening Times: 08:00 to 16:15 (daily)
The Library is also open to all students at morning break and lunchtime for quiet reading and independent study. Additionally, a popular book club is hosted by the School Librarian weekly for students of all ages.
Borrowing Books:
Students may borrow library books from the librarian at morning break, lunchtime or during timetabled KS3 Library lessons. The School Librarian also produces a booklet of Recommended Reads for students to assist them in making book selections.
KS3 Library Lessons:
All students in Years 7 and 8 enjoy a timetabled Accelerated Reader lesson once per fortnight to discuss their reading and select new books.
Recommended Reads 2024
Accelerated Reader
We follow the Renaissance STAR Reading programme at The Cottesloe School for Key Stage 3 students (Years 7 and 8).
Students will have an additional lesson, usually based in the library, where they develop their reading skills by choosing books that they want to read; reading them and then taking quizzes on them that checks their comprehension. There are 10 to 20 questions which are all multiple choice, the pass mark is 85%.
One lesson will take place per fortnight and will be taught by an English teacher. Students are encouraged to read their reading books at home for 15 to 20 minutes per school night so that they can complete a book every two weeks. KS3 students have an Accelerated Reader exercise book with a record of their username, password, reading age, book level and reading log. Parents and carers can support their child by regularly checking the reading log and signing it weekly to assist with home-school communication.
Parents can find useful resources on the website | https://www.renlearn.co.uk/parent-resources/
What is Accelerated Reader?
In Years 7 and 8, all students use the Accelerated Reader (AR) programme to practise and develop the high level reading skills necessary for GCSE. AR does not teach students to read, but instead is a motivational tool which guides students to books that are appropriate for them at each stage of their individual reading development. The AR programme assists all of our students in their goal to become
Independent and competent readers, whilst also rewarding them at each stage of their progress.
How does AR work?
All Year 7 and 8 students take a STAR Reading test to assess their reading level. Students choose a book from the Library within their reading range (ZPD.) Once they have finished reading it, they log on to the AR website and take an Accelerated Reader quiz on the book.
Parents can check their child’s progress by using the Renaissance Home Connect Website.
Useful Websites
Student AR Log in: https://login.renaissance.com
AR Bookfinder https://www.arbookfind.co.uk
AR Monitoring and Rewards
The reading progress of every student is carefully monitored by their English teacher and the librarian. A TOPS report is printed by each student following a successful quiz and new reading targets are assigned at this stage as part of a conversation with their English teacher. The TOPS report enables each student to make an informed decision about the next book. They choose within their ZPD:
- 60% is a pass on book quizzes, but a target of 85% is set for all students and is to be encouraged at all times; this is the average % correct target that will achieve the greatest improvement for the student.
- Average book level indicates if the student is consistently reading at a good level within their range.
- Points Target, for length of book, can be a great motivational tool in the tutor and year group reward system, as well as Words Read total.
- Books borrowed from a public library and those brought in from home, can also be quizzed and rewarded.
AR ACRONYMS
- AR - Accelerated Reader
- ZPD - Zone of Proximal Development
- TOPS - Report = Quiz results and progress tracking
- ATOS - A formula used to calculate the difficulty of a book