Literacy & Oracy

Literacy is at the heart of everything we do at Aureus. We believe that the ability to read, to write and to speak with confidence and fluency is the key to future success. Each member of staff is a passionate advocate of language and learning. Our lessons are built on the premise that all students will have the opportunity to develop their comprehension and vocabulary, to write extended pieces of work and to learn the convention and art of debate.

Did you know?

• Less than half of 8 to 16 year olds have read a book in the last month
• 49% of children and young adults think that reading is boring
• Children who enjoy reading are 5 times more likely to be 'above average' in their Reading Assessment levels
• 22% of children report that no one at home encourages them to read
• 1 in 3 does not own a book
• 62% of boys do not enjoy writing and pupils at Key Stage 4 are the least likely to enjoy writing
• Research shows that the average length of a student's contribution to a class discussion is only 4 words

We believe that promoting literacy is a whole school responsibility and not just that of the English department.

The Literacy and Oracy Entitlement

• Your child will attend lessons at Aureus in which reading, writing and speaking & listening are regularly supported and practised, regardless of subject area
• Your child's reading age will be taken into consideration in the use of resources, with the aim that he/she will be challenged to improve by acquiring new vocabulary and concepts
• Your child will read in each subject area, where appropriate, to increase his/her exposure to ideas and vocabulary
• Your child will have access to a range of classic and contemporary literature for free in a well-equipped and helpful school Library
• Your child will have the entitlement to write at length, where appropriate, in each subject area and out of class through clubs and competitions
• Your child will be challenged to develop his/her speaking and listening ability in interactions with staff and students, thereby learning the value of verbal full sentence construction and modes of formality

Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)

At Aureus, we want to encourage reading to become a habit for all children, and students will be given the opportunity to read their own books every day. At the start of period 3, just after morning break, every class across the school will be running DEAR, where students Drop Everything and Read for 10 minutes. Students in all year groups need to have a book in their bags every day to read. Students can get help to choose and find a book to read by talking to our librarian, Miss Sullivan, or anyone in the English team.

The Library

The school has a wonderful library that is full of fantastic books specifically aimed at helping students reading and learning skills. We want all students to become readers for life. Students will be able to borrow two books for two weeks and will be encouraged to complete the borrow/read/return cycle. Over the course of the year, the library will host events and competitions that all students can take part in.

Speaking and Listening

We strongly encourage students to participate in activities that develop their speaking and listening skills. At Aureus, there are opportunities across the school year to practise the key skill of speaking in public, including during assemblies, at parent events and in formal competitions with external organisations.

Students with English as an Additional Language

At Aureus, lessons are designed to support all learners, regardless of prior experience with the English Language. We recognise that some students will need additional support in school to access the curriculum. We invest in staff and resources to allow students to have intensive language tuition if necessary.