LVHS School Literacy Strategy 2025–2026

At LVHS, we believe that literacy is the foundation of academic success and future opportunities. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are not just skills for English lessons, but essential tools for learning across the curriculum and for full participation in society. Our Literacy Strategy reflects a whole-school commitment to ensuring all students become confident, competent and independent communicators.

Our Aims

• To ensure that every student can read fluently and with understanding.
• To promote a love of reading for pleasure and purpose.
• To develop students’ vocabulary and oracy across all subjects.
• To support all students in becoming effective writers.
• To identify and intervene early for students who need support with literacy.

Strategic Areas of Focus

1. Whole School Literacy We embed literacy across all subjects and year groups through the following actions:

• Assessment: All students in Years 7-9 complete annual NGRT; data is shared with staff to inform planning and intervention.
• Vocabulary Development: Tier 2 and Tier 3 words are taught explicitly and revisited regularly.
• Tutor Reading Programme: Twice-weekly tutor time is dedicated to reading challenging, engaging texts aloud to improve comprehension, vocabulary and fluency.
• Library, Literacy, and Study Support Ambassadors: KS4 students with leadership responsibility to support their peers
• CPD: Ongoing training for form time reading, oracy, modelling, and working in tandem with teaching assistants.

2. English Department Initiatives

• Weekly literacy lessons in KS3 to develop reading stamina, comprehension, and writing fluency.
• Explicit teaching and modelling of reading and writing strategies.
• Literacy targets are integrated into marking and feedback.
• Use of knowledge organisers and glossaries.
• Literacy House Competition

3. Library Provision

• A thriving library offers book clubs, author visits, and involvement in national and local reading events such as the Carnegie award.
• Annual visit to the Guille-Alles library for all Year 7 students
• Tutor-time library sessions for all students in Year 7, 8, and 9
• Bookopoly competition for Year 7 and 8 students
• Annual celebrations of World Book Day
• KS3 and KS4 recommended reading lists are available to all students and parents.
• Library, Literacy, and Study Support Ambassadors roles provide leadership opportunities for students.

4. Targeted Literacy Interventions We provide bespoke support for students with identified literacy needs:

• EAL Intervention: Personalised 1:1 or small-group support for students for whom English is an additional language provided by EAL specific teachers.
• Reading Support: TA-led paired reading intervention: Thinking reading
• Mentoring: Year 9 and 10 students mentor younger peers in reading due to begin from Aut2
• KS3 Literacy Intervention: Structured small-group programmes focused on comprehension, fluency, and reading: Direct instruction
• Handwriting Support: Individual or small-group handwriting sessions  due to begin from Aut2

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

• CPD impact is measured through observations, student outcomes, and staff feedback.
• Interventions are tracked and evaluated for effectiveness.
• Literacy is a focus in faculty meetings, strategic and curriculum planning.

Our Commitment

At LVHS, we are committed to continuous improvement in literacy. We will:

• Embed a reading-rich culture across the school.
• Ensure that literacy remains a priority in staff development.
• Work closely with parents, carers and external partners to support students’ literacy.
• Regularly review and refine our strategies to meet the needs of our learners.