Literacy and Reading
“A book is a dream you hold in your hands” - Neil Gaiman
Reading empowers our children, and exposes them to worlds, ideas and times that they might not otherwise experience. It is crucial for developing pupils’ cultural capital and learning about the wider world that is not always part of the school curriculum. Every pupil deserves to have the opportunity to become a confident reader, and we are here to support families to provide this for their children. With reading comes improved vocabulary acquisition - it is estimated that a pupil that reads for 20 minutes every day is exposed to 1.8 million words over the course of a year - which helps pupils to develop into not only confident readers, but also writers and speakers that are able to shape and influence the world around them. At Orion Eden Park, we aim to promote a culture that fosters a love, and appreciation, of reading for pleasure.
Improved academic Literacy is also one of the most effective ways that we can raise the academic attainment of our students, with a range of studies showing that there is a direct correlation between pupils’ ability to read and their attainment in subjects across the curriculum. In fact, studies show that reading enjoyment has been reported as more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status.
Students are set weekly homework on ‘Bedrock Learning’ to support them to develop their vocabulary acqusition, reading, and comprehension skills. By focusing on vocabulary, grammar and subject-specific terminology, Bedrock equips learners with the language and literacy knowledge they need to boost their educational outcomes. A link to this website can be found below:
For more information on the link between Literacy and academic attainment, please see the links below:
Literacy and life expectancy | National Literacy Trust
Our Library
At Orion Eden Park, we have two purpose-designed libraries for the use of students in Ks3, and Ks4/Ks5. The libraries provide a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for reading, research and further study, where students are recognised and valued as individuals. The libraries contain a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, audio books, magazines and reference material, with stock selected not only by qualified staff, but also via student recommendations and requests which can be made via the librarian. Computers and printers are also available for students to use for independent study.
We offer a vibrant programme of events, competitions and author visits, creating enriching experiences and opportunities to motivate students to become lifelong readers. This year, we have two newly formed Book Clubs for students in Ks3 and Ks4, where students have the opportunity to meet and discuss a book that they are reading together with the librarian on a weekly basis. Further events include celebrating World Book Day, taking part in the prestigious CILIP Carnegie and Greenaway Shadowing Awards, and enjoying author visits by award-winning authors including Alex Wheatle, Marcus Sedgwick and Chris Bradford.
Further support with Literacy
The links below provide more information and suggested activities for parents that are looking to provide further literacy support for their child.
Words for Life is created by the National Literacy Trust and provides resources to support both schools and parents:
The Open Library provides a platform for students (and parents) to download and borrow selected books free of charge:
Welcome to Open Library | Open Library
CONTACT:
Library staff: Ms Peters (Librarian)
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM and TWITTER:
Instagram: @ephs_library