Madeley Academy
Literacy Programme
At Madeley Academy, literacy is the foundation of every student’s learning journey. Strong reading, writing and communication skills open doors — to academic achievement, to confident self-expression, and to the wider world beyond the classroom. Our commitment is simple: every student deserves to become a capable, fluent reader to be focused on success and fully accessing the curriculum at Madeley Academy.
This page introduces our whole-school approach to literacy and the principles that guide it. From high-quality teaching in every subject to targeted support for those who need it most, literacy is woven into daily life at Madeley Academy. We nurture a culture where reading is valued, vocabulary is celebrated, and students are equipped with the skills they need to thrive.
Below, you’ll find our full Literacy at Madeley Academy guide, which explains in detail how we teach reading, how we build vocabulary, how we develop oracy skills and how we support students at every stage of their development.
Finding your next read with our Read Right guides
Students in each year group are encouraged to read our top 5 books on ‘Read Right’ lists. Every student who reads these 5 books, or challenges themselves with other types of genres, receive a Read Right Badge.
Inspiring your love of writing
We provide a termly competition for students to inspire their writing. From poetry competitions to 100 words stories, there is something for everyone to try. See our English Noticeboard for this term’s competition or email reading@madeleyacademy.com.
Useful links for reading at home with your child
https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk
https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-top-tips-to-encourage-children-to-read/10-top-tips-to-encourage-children-to-read
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/parent-hub/reading-with-your-child
Useful links for developing vocabulary
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-primary/teaching-tools/vocabulary-activities
https://improvingliteracy.org/resource/activities-to-build-your-childs-vocabulary-at-home/
Developing oracy skills at home
In lessons, we encourage students to use our talk stems to articulate their answers. Encouraging your child to speak in full sentences at home will help to organise their thoughts, build their vocabulary and, most importantly, improve their confidence and clarity through practice:
Strengthening Handwriting Skills
Handwriting remains an important skill at secondary school to help improve spelling, writing fluency and to develop this essential life skill. If you feel your child needs support with handwriting, they can come to our Session 3 Handwriting Club which works through the skills to improve handwriting. Teachers may also put your name forward for handwriting club and parents and carers will be contacted in these cases.
To help your child practise their handwriting at home, here are some useful links:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/skillswise/articles/zm8w382
https://nha-handwriting.org.uk/handwriting/help-for-parents/resources-for-parents/
