Expert readers, Expert writers, Expert speakers

Our literacy strategy at Buile Hill Academy is centred on empowering our pupils to become expert readers, writers and speakers. This year, in particular, we are focussed on exposing our students to as much reading as possible so that students build up confidence in reading and develop a life-long love for reading beyond the classroom. 

 

Reading

There’s lots to discover in the library! We have such a large variety of books, ranging from graphic novels, dyslexia friendly books as well as young adult books and novels suitable for our EAL students. There is something for every student. Each student is allowed to borrow up to 3 books and take them home!

 

Experience

We have two extra-curricular activities held in the library. There is a Creative Writing Club whereby each student has their own creative writing book which they can keep, decorate and fill with stories. There are also opportunities to enter writing competitions for all ages. We also have a Journalism Club whereby we produce copies of the Buile Hill Bulletin- a termly news source written and designed by the students.

 

Reading Routes & DEAR

For KS3, we have Reading Routes and the DEAR lessons. This stands for Drop Everything And Read. Drop Everything And Read is an initiative the Trust use give KS3 students the opportunity to engage in meaningful reading at least once a week. Each week, students will have a Reading Routes lesson whereby they will read their chosen book and have the opportunity to delve deeper into another book which is on their Route of that term. There are 17 different Routes (genres) and over 85 books to choose from.

There are rewards and incentives for students to get reading, reviewing, and talking about their favourite books including a book vending machine. Reading is paramount to a child’s education and these incentives will aid all students’ learning; inside and outside the classroom.

 

Students

Students will have the opportunity to become Library Ambassadors. This is a very important position for students in school as they aid with the management of the library. There is an application and interview process for those that want to partake. There are rewards and opportunities for the library ambassadors.

 

Lexonic Leap

We are passionate about making sure every child has the best ability to learn how to read; and read well. Lexonic Leap is for those students whose reading ages are below their actual age. This is a fast-paced, fun and intense course which focuses on the sounds and structures that make up words. It is stripped back and very easy to grasp. Each child will have daily sessions of Lexonic leap with a trained professional for 6 weeks. Their progress will be reviewed. The student could either stay on Lexonic leap or advance to Lexonic Advance. It is a fabulous opportunity to really focus on those students who need that extra bit of guidance and care for such an important life skill.