Improving Achievement Through Literacy

Having listened to an inspiring speaker in September on raising achievement in boys by a leading specialist, Gary Wilson, a group of staff created a working group to develop his ideas and apply them to King’s.

They concluded that it is possible to improve achievement through literacy. To many of you, this will not be a surprise. In the Headmaster’s Assembly, he highlighted to the school that reading helps with our vocabulary and this is particularly important in developing our communication and a growing sophistication in our language with each other. Also, we are able to empathise with those who hold different views and reading widens our horizons.

It is with this in mind, that a few staff were asked to share their positive experience of their favourite book in assembly. Edward and Jav in the 4^th Form were particularly enthusiastic about Miss Wilkinson’s book ‘The Girl who saved the King of Sweden’ by Jonas Jonasson, Charlie wants to read Miss Hoskin’s suggestion ‘The Psychopath Test’ by Jon Ronson because she is interested in how the mind works. Several staff mentioned that their parents had recommended books to them. Jacob in the 6^th Form is currently reading ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett, recommended by his father who enjoyed reading this in 1989 when it first came out. He is particularly enjoying the fact he has an original copy, ‘not like the covers on the current novels from the film version of the book’. These fun and inspiring books, recommended by the teachers, are being purchased along with books from every member of staff and 3 pop up bookshops will appear in school for pupils to be encouraged to expand their reading. Please also find a list of these books below for your own enjoyment.

Alison Grant - Deputy Head