“Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.” UNESCO
All teachers are teachers of literacy. As such, the staff of St Michael’s Church of England High School are committed to developing literacy skills in all of our students, in the belief that it will support their learning and raise standards across the curriculum, because:
- students need vocabulary, expression and organisational control to cope with the cognitive demands of subjects
- reading helps us to learn from sources beyond our immediate experience
- writing helps us to sustain and order thought
- language helps us to reflect, revise and evaluate the things we do, and on the things others have said, written or done
- responding to higher-order questions encourages the development of thinking skills and enquiry
- improving literacy and learning can have an impact on students’ self-esteem, motivation and behaviour. It allows them to learn independently. It is empowering.