Literacy lessons

The Babington Way for Literacy Lessons

At Babington, we have invested in our students’ literacy—not only through form time reading, but also through timetabled lessons aimed at improving their skills. Literacy lessons take place once a fortnight for all KS3 students and are delivered by their English teacher. We believe that strong literacy is the foundation for success—not just academically, but as empowered citizens who can express themselves and understand the world around them.

Throughout KS3, each student’s written accuracy is tracked, with personalised targets designed to help them build strong foundations in spelling and grammar. At the start of every Literacy lesson, students reflect on their targets and receive explicit instruction on the rules of good grammar. Our aim is that by KS4, all students will have a clear understanding of written accuracy and the ability to communicate effectively.

The second half of each Literacy lesson focuses on instilling a love of reading through shared reading experiences, giving students the opportunity to explore opinions and ideas through discussion. These sessions focus primarily on reading and oracy rather than written tasks. Each term, students study a selected text that broadens their understanding of others and exposes them to a range of experiences.

Autumn Term: Diversity and Acceptance

In the first term, students explore a class reader centred around the themes of diversity and acceptance. At Babington, we recognise the importance of inclusivity and exploring the idea of community. We believe it is essential to begin the academic year by promoting these values, which are so fundamental to the ethos of our school.