Literacy

Literacy at Billing Brook is delivered through a multi-sensory approach. Within literacy fiction, non fiction and poetry is explored in a variety of ways, as well as basic skills being developed throughout. 

For pupils at Billing Brook Literacy will look very different depending on their learning needs. It may focus more on communication through the Essentials curriculum, or it may be more subject specific.

For staff at Billing Brook Literacy covers many areas, including:

• Reading including Phonics 
• Writing
• Speaking and Listening 

The Literacy curriculum is evolving to ensure that application of skills is transferred to the lives of students; facilitating trips to the local community to use their list writing skills for shopping, approaching the local post office to send a letter, or visiting cafes to place orders. 

Literacy skills are not only taught and developed in literacy lessons, but throughout the curriculum. Communication is at the heart of every lesson, with each pupil being given a voice to share their ideas and contribute to discussions; whether that is through speaking, communication boards, or use of technology. 

Visitors play a huge part in our literacy curriculum with drama specialists, immersive story providers and poets being on our extensive list of resources to access to provide exciting and memorable experiences. Real life application is something which we strive for and is particularly important in the secondary and sixth form departments. Role play experiences allow pupils to develop key literacy skills in a safe environment where they can challenge their thinking, and develop their communication skills.