Literacy and Numeracy
All Saints Academy has engineered a wide and varied curriculum. However, underpinning its diversity is a bedrock of literacy and numeracy.
Reading is at the heart of this school,
Confident mathematicians, creative problem solvers
Tutor Programme
Our tutor programme is intentional in building our pupils foundational skills. In Year 7, pupils complete bespoke pathways based on their literacy and numeracy levels to promote progress for each individual learner. In Year 8, there is a focus on continuing to grow numeracy foundational knowledge for each of our pupils. In Year 9, identified pupils will continue to complete a bespoke package of literacy and numeracy, setting them up for success as they begin their Key Stage 4 Studies.
Literacy Programme
Depending on where they are in their learning journey, our pupils may undertake the following in order to progress their literacy knowledge:
1. Universal Provision and Habits
We believe all teachers are teachers of literacy. Our All Saints Habits include the modelling of expressive reading, controlling the game and asking comprehension questions. These core habits in every classroom help pupils become confident readers in every subject.
2. Tutor Reading
A rich variety of texts considering a wide variety of themes. Pupils read and engage with questions as they do so.
3. Lexia
A software used to identify gaps in pupils' grammar, comprehension or phonics. This programme adapts to each individual learner and helps each pupil become more confident.
4. SPARX Reader
Giving each child books of a wide range of genres and ideas based on their reading age. Pupils gain points as they comprehend correctly and work towards Gold Reader status.
5. Fluency and Comprehension Sessions
Identified pupils will engage with our fluency and comprehension sessions in tutor and curriculum time to help progress the automaticity of their reading. These sessions are designed around texts that cover different interests and areas of the world and help pupils to authentically engage in reading whilst improving their fluency.
6. Phonics
Identified pupils will be supported through the Little Wandle Phonics Programme. This programme screens and then identifies pupils with gaps in their phonic knowledge. The programme has three different pathways for pupils, allowing all pupils to progress.
7. Handwriting
KS3 Pupils undertake a handwriting screening. Identified pupils undertake a handwriting intervention to support legibility.
8. Foundational Skills Sessions
Identified pupils in Years 8 and 9 undertake two hours of foundational literacy intervention. These sessions focus on reading fluency and comprehension.
Numeracy Programme
Depending on where they are in their learning journey, our pupils may undertake the following in order to progress their numeracy knowledge:
1. Universal Provision and Habits
We believe all teachers are teachers of numeracy. Pupils are supported to develop and apply their mathematical knowledge across the curriculum, helping them to use their numeracy skills confidently in different subjects and contexts.
2. SPARX Maths
All pupils use Sparx Maths for their weekly homework and Sparx Classroom within Mathematics lessons. Sparx provides personalised practice, helping pupils to consolidate their learning and allowing teachers to identify and address gaps in knowledge.
3. DoodleMaths
Identified pupils will have access to DoodleMaths as part of their Foundational Skills provision. The programme adapts to each individual learner, identifying and addressing gaps in mathematical knowledge and helping pupils to build confidence and fluency.
4. Axiom Maths
Identified pupils in Years 7 and 8 will take part in the Axiom Maths programme. Pupils work in small groups to develop their mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and confidence, providing additional challenge and support to help them become more successful mathematicians.
5. Tutor Numeracy and Multiplication Fluency
In Year 8 pupils undertake numeracy activities during tutor time, with a particular focus on developing multiplication fluency and addressing key topics identified through formal assessments. Sparx allows us to monitor pupils' times-table fluency and progress over time. Pupils who are already fluent in these foundational skills undertake Maths Challenge activities to further develop their mathematical thinking and problem-solving.
6. Foundational Skills and Numeracy Intervention
Identified pupils will undertake additional numeracy intervention through tutor and curriculum time. Foundational Skills sessions provide targeted numeracy support alongside literacy, while pupils in Years 8 and 9 may also receive additional sessions taught by Mathematics specialists. These sessions focus on specific gaps in knowledge and help pupils secure the foundational skills needed to access the wider curriculum.
