Literacy at Sir Thomas Fremantle School

Every Teacher a Teacher of Literacy

At Sir Thomas Fremantle School, we believe that literacy is the foundation of success across the curriculum and beyond. The ability to read fluently, communicate effectively and think critically enables students to access knowledge, engage confidently with the world around them and achieve their full potential.

We are committed to developing confident readers, writers and communicators through a whole-school approach to literacy. Literacy is not confined to English lessons; it is embedded across all subjects and supported by every member of staff.

Reading: The Gateway to Success

Reading for pleasure and reading for learning are at the heart of our literacy strategy. Through regular reading, students develop vocabulary, build cultural capital, strengthen their understanding of the world and improve outcomes across all subjects.

We aim to ensure that every student:

• Reads confidently and fluently

• Develops strong comprehension skills

• Expands their vocabulary

• Engages with a diverse range of texts

• Develops a lifelong love of reading

Supporting Reading Across the Curriculum

Sparx Reader

All Key Stage 3 students complete weekly reading homework through Sparx Reader, our online reading platform.

Sparx Reader carefully matches texts to each student's reading level, ensuring an appropriate level of challenge and support. Students answer comprehension questions as they read, helping them to actively engage with texts whilst developing fluency, stamina and understanding.

This consistent reading practice helps establish positive reading habits and supports academic success across the curriculum.

Students who demonstrate strong reading habits and whose reading age is securely above their chronological age may be awarded Gold Reader Status.

Vocabulary: Say It, Spell It, Know It

Developing students' vocabulary is a core component of our literacy strategy.

Across the curriculum, students are encouraged to:

Say It

Pronounce new vocabulary accurately and confidently.

Spell It

Learn and apply correct spelling through deliberate practice.

Know It

Understand word meanings and apply vocabulary accurately in speech and writing.

We also use etymology to help students understand the origins of words and make connections between vocabulary across different subjects. By exploring roots, prefixes and suffixes, students develop powerful strategies for understanding unfamiliar language independently.

Assessing Reading Progress

To ensure that support is targeted effectively, students complete the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) throughout the year.

Assessment data enables us to:

• Identify students who require additional support

• Monitor reading development over time

• Evaluate the impact of interventions

• Ensure students receive the support they need to succeed

Students whose reading age is below their chronological age are closely monitored and may be invited to take part in additional literacy interventions.

Targeted Literacy Support

Where further support is needed, students may access one of our evidence-informed literacy interventions.

That Reading Thing (TRT)

That Reading Thing provides structured support for students who need to develop reading fluency, accuracy and confidence.

Using carefully selected age-appropriate texts, students work 1 to 1 to improve decoding skills, reading stamina and comprehension while developing a more positive reading identity.

Reciprocal Reading

Reciprocal Reading develops higher-level comprehension skills through structured discussion and collaboration.

Students learn key reading strategies including:

• Predicting

• Questioning

• Clarifying

• Summarising

These approaches help students become more independent, thoughtful and analytical readers.

Lexia

Lexia is an adaptive online literacy programme that provides personalised support in:

• Phonics

• Word recognition

• Spelling

• Reading fluency

• Reading comprehension

The programme identifies individual gaps in learning and tailors activities accordingly, enabling students to make sustained progress in their reading development.

Literacy Beyond the Classroom

We believe that literacy flourishes when students experience language and stories beyond the classroom.

Students have opportunities to engage with:

• Theatre productions and live performances

• Journalism and media projects

• Reading recommendations and enrichment activities

• Debates, discussion and oracy opportunities

These experiences help students see literacy as a vital life skill that extends far beyond examinations.

How to Support Your Child's Literacy Development

Parents and carers play a vital role in developing strong literacy skills. Small, regular opportunities to read, talk and engage with language can make a significant difference to a child's confidence, vocabulary and academic success.

Encourage Regular Reading

Reading widely and often is one of the most effective ways to improve literacy. We encourage families to:

• Set aside regular time for reading at home.

• Encourage your child to read a variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, magazines and online articles.

• Take an interest in what your child is reading and discuss books, characters and ideas together.

• Model positive reading habits by reading yourself.

Even older students benefit from reading aloud, discussing texts and sharing recommendations with family members.

Support Sparx Reader

For Key Stage 3 students, Sparx Reader forms an important part of our reading programme.

You can support your child by:

• Ensuring they complete their weekly reading homework.

• Asking them about the texts they are reading.

• Encouraging them to read carefully and answer comprehension questions thoughtfully.

• Celebrating consistency and effort, rather than focusing solely on scores.

Develop Vocabulary Through Conversation

Everyday conversations provide valuable opportunities to build vocabulary and communication skills.

You can help by:

• Introducing and discussing new words in context.

• Encouraging your child to explain their thinking in full sentences.

• Discussing current affairs, documentaries, podcasts, books and films.

• Exploring the meanings and origins of unfamiliar words together.

Make Literacy Part of Everyday Life

Literacy extends beyond books and classrooms. Encourage your child to engage with language through:

• Listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

• Attending theatres, museums and cultural events.

• Participating in discussions, debates and family conversations.

Celebrate Progress

Building literacy skills is a gradual process. Recognising effort, perseverance and improvement helps students develop confidence and resilience.

We encourage parents and carers to praise reading regularly, discuss successes and maintain high expectations while offering support when challenges arise.

Working Together

At Sir Thomas Fremantle School, we value the partnership between home and school. By working together to promote reading, vocabulary development and effective communication, we can ensure every student develops the literacy skills needed to succeed both in school and beyond.

Our Commitment

At Sir Thomas Fremantle School, literacy is everyone's responsibility.

Through high-quality teaching, regular assessment, targeted intervention and a culture that celebrates reading, we ensure that every student is equipped with the literacy skills needed to thrive in education, future careers and life beyond school.