Whole School Literacy and Homework

Literacy Across the Curriculum

We believe that strong literacy and oracy skills are the foundation of success in every subject. At our school, literacy is not confined to English lessons — it is embedded across the curriculum to ensure every student develops the ability to read, write, and communicate with confidence.

In lessons, teachers consistently develop literacy by:

• Introducing a ‘Word of the Lesson’, with explicit vocabulary teaching to strengthen subject knowledge and understanding
• Providing regular opportunities for structured talk, encouraging students to share, debate, and present ideas clearly and confidently
• Building in purposeful opportunities for reading within subjects, from analysing scientific articles to exploring historical texts

Our library provision also plays a vital role in supporting literacy across subjects. Alongside fiction, the library contains a wide range of subject-specific texts to extend classroom learning and spark curiosity. Library lessons are closely linked to the English curriculum, enabling students to research key areas in depth using books, articles, and multimedia resources.

This whole-school approach ensures that students become fluent readers, confident speakers, and effective writers, equipping them with the essential literacy skills needed to thrive in their studies and in the wider world.

Sparx Reader

At our school, we are committed to developing confident and independent readers. To support this, we use Sparx Reader, an innovative online reading platform that personalises reading for every student.

Students complete Sparx Reader activities in library lessons and as part of their homework, which is set on a Wednesday and due the following Wednesday. The programme begins with a reading age test, which allows Sparx to recommend books that are carefully matched to each student’s level. As students read, they complete quizzes and comprehension activities to check understanding and track progress.

To keep students motivated, Sparx Reader awards SRP points for reading and quiz completion. These points contribute to rewards and a school leaderboard, encouraging healthy competition and celebrating reading success.

Parents also play a key role in supporting their child’s reading journey. Through their parent account, they can:

•            Track homework completion and points gained

•            See which books their child is currently reading

•            Access GCSE set texts to support exam preparation

•            Check when Sparx homework has been set (every Wednesday, due the following Wednesday)

Sparx Reader ensures that every student is reading regularly, progressing at the right pace, and developing the skills they need for both academic success and a lifelong love of reading.

 

Enrichment and Extending Learning

Scholars:

As passionate learners of English ourselves, we appreciate that fostering and harnessing the early sparks and embers of interest are essential in developing our most able students. To support this endeavour, we have created a Scholars programme within the English department, wherein students partake in extracurricular development in and around English as a subject and as a profession.

If invited to join the programme, your child could:

• Take part in national competitions like the ‘Mock Trials’ or the ‘UK Parliament’ events
• Meet with published authors, and take part in writing workshops
• Explore careers in English through University visits, or visits to places in industry
• Deepen and develop their love of reading and writing with trips and visits

We are excited about the development of this programme this year and the opportunities that we can offer to the students who have a real passion, talent, and drive for this great subject.

Young Writers:

At the Hart, we believe in the power of the written word and for the last few years we have had over 300 students become published writers as part of the national ‘Young Writers’ competitions.

Our students at The Hart achieved such an exceptional number of published submissions in our previous competition, ‘Grim Tales’, that we were given the prestigious honour of having a book filled with only our submissions! Year on year, and competition on competition, our students have demonstrated their love, passion, and skill with writing.

Carnegie Shadowing

Our Library Club proudly takes part in the annual Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing shadowing scheme, giving students the opportunity to engage with some of the year’s most celebrated children’s and young adult literature. This experience allows pupils to read shortlisted titles, discuss themes and characters, and share their own thoughts before the official winner is announced.

For our first shadowing experience, the group read The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander together with Mrs Laird, while other shortlisted books were explored in smaller groups or individually. Opinions varied widely, and by the time the final vote approached, everyone had a personal favourite they were championing.

We gathered to watch the results live, celebrating the culmination of weeks of reading and discussion. The announcement of Crossing the Line as the winner sparked surprise and excitement among the group!

Following this successful experience, our Library Club has already begun reading for the next set of awards—The Lollies, which celebrate the funniest children’s books. We look forward to continuing our journey through great literature and lively debate.

Scholastic Book Fair

Each year, our school proudly hosts the Scholastic Book Fair , an event that celebrates the joy of reading. The fair offers students and families a chance to explore a wide variety of books while supporting literacy and learning in our community.

The Book Fair transforms our school into a vibrant hub of storytelling and discovery. Proceeds from the fair help fund new books for our school library, making every purchase a meaningful contribution.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to this special event and inspiring a lifelong love of reading!

 

The Library

Library Events

Our school library is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting a wide range of events throughout the year to inspire a love of reading and bring literature to life. From author visits and themed displays to reading challenges and book swaps, there's always something exciting happening to engage students of all ages.

One of our favourite times in the library is the month of October, when we celebrate reading with a series of themed events that spark imagination and curiosity:

• Banned Books Week encourages students to explore the importance of free expression and the stories that have challenged norms throughout history.
• Harry Potter Book Day brings the magic of Hogwarts to life, with themed activities, quizzes, and decorations that transport readers into the wizarding world.
• Halloween Stories feature staff members sharing spooky extracts from classic and contemporary tales, creating a thrilling atmosphere in the library.
• Our Spooky Story Competition invites students to craft their own chilling tales, showcasing creativity and storytelling skills with prizes for the most haunting entries.

These October events are a highlight of the school year, blending fun with literacy and giving students memorable experiences that deepen their connection to books.

Library Clubs

Our school library is a lively and inclusive space where students can explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with others through a range of engaging clubs and activities. Whether you're a budding writer, a book lover, or just looking for a quiet space to unwind, there's something for everyone.

Weekly Library Clubs

• Colouring and Crafts (Monday & Wednesday – Break 1) A calming and creative start to the day, this club offers students a chance to relax, express themselves artistically, and enjoy mindful moments through colouring and simple crafts.
• Sparx Homework Club (Monday & Tuesday – Break 2) A supportive space for students to complete their Sparx Reader, Maths and Science homework with help available if needed. It’s a great way to stay on track and make productive use of break time.
• Book Club (Wednesday – Break 2) Students come together to discuss current reads, share recommendations, and explore new genres. This club also takes part in national reading initiatives like the Yoto Carnegie Medal and The Lollies.
• Newspaper Club (Thursday – Break 1 – Week B) Budding journalists and writers collaborate to create articles, reviews, and features for school publications. A great opportunity to develop writing skills and have your voice heard.
• Games Club (Thursday – Break 2) A fun and social club where students can play board games, card games, and puzzles—perfect for building friendships and strategic thinking.
• Anime & Manga Club (Friday – Break 1) Run by students for students, this club celebrates Japanese animation and graphic novels. Members share favourite series, discuss characters and storylines, and even explore drawing styles and fan art. It’s a welcoming space for anyone passionate about anime and manga culture.

These clubs help promote a love of reading, creativity, and collaboration across year groups. Whether you're joining a club or simply spending time in the library, it's a place where imagination and learning thrive.