At Alvaston Moor Academy, we believe that literacy is the cornerstone of learning and a key driver of academic success. It is central to our academy vision of ensuring that all learners have choice and opportunity, both now and in their future lives.
Literacy underpins the entire curriculum by developing students’ abilities to speak, listen, read, and write for a wide range of purposes. Through language, students learn to communicate effectively, think critically, explore ideas, and organise their thoughts.
We recognise that low levels of literacy can limit students’ potential and affect their self-perception. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that every student becomes a confident and articulate communicator, fully prepared for adult life—whether they choose to pursue further academic study or enter the world of work.
We believe that literacy development should be actively nurtured at every stage of a student’s journey. To support this, we have implemented a range of initiatives designed to foster independence, fluency, and a lifelong love of reading and literature.
Ofsted recognition
We are proud that Ofsted has recognised our commitment to literacy:
“The school has improved the support provided for pupils at an early stage of learning to read. These pupils are now beginning to build their confidence in reading and in using technical vocabulary. Pupils who speak English as an additional language are well supported and typically achieve well.”
Bedrock vocabulary curriculum
We have invested in Bedrock Learning, an innovative online platform that teaches students the academic vocabulary they need to succeed in school and beyond. This engaging and extensive vocabulary curriculum helps us close the word gap and ensures that all students can access and use a broad, ambitious range of vocabulary.
Students are encouraged to apply this vocabulary across subjects, and staff have received high-quality CPD from Bedrock to embed vocabulary learning in all lessons. The platform supports both home and school learning, and provides valuable data to monitor progress and usage across year groups.
The Online Vocabulary Curriculum For Schools | Bedrock Learning
Tutor time reading programme
Reading is a vital part of our school culture. Our Tutor Time Reading Programme creates a shared reading experience that builds a community of readers and encourages students to explore powerful stories that reflect diverse human experiences.
Once a week, the whole school reads together during registration. Teachers read aloud with their form groups, and students take turns reading the novel. This routine helps students develop a lifelong reading habit, while refining their written and verbal communication skills. It’s inspiring to see our school community fully engaged in their reading.
Additional literacy lessons
Phonics Support
To support selected Year 7 and 8 pupils who need help accessing the mainstream curriculum, we offer targeted phonics-based literacy lessons. These sessions focus on strengthening foundational reading and writing skills, ensuring students can confidently engage with more complex academic tasks as they progress.
Fluency Development
Reading fluency is essential for comprehension and effective writing. Our Additional Literacy Lessons for Fluency Development are designed to support selected students in building fluency, expanding vocabulary, and improving sentence-level writing. These lessons empower students to access the curriculum independently and embed the literacy skills needed for long-term success.
Supporting Your Child
A Guide to NGRT (New Group Reading Test)
Building Better Readers – Parents’ Guide
How To Support Literacy At Home
Access books and activities shared by famous authors from home at the Virtual Library
https://library.thenational.academy
Useful Links:
Here are some links to some fabulous book related websites as well as the local library service:
- Derby libraries – Derby City Council
- National Literacy Trust
- BookTrust
- Love Reading
- Free Kindle eBooks
- The Book of Hopes