Literacy and Sparx

The Literacy Team 

Our Literacy Team comprises four dedicated members of staff: Mr Llewellyn, Mrs Williams-Griffiths, Mrs Williams and Mrs Pearsall.

Our Literacy Purpose and Aims 

At our school, we believe that literacy is the foundation for all learning and a crucial tool for ensuring every learner can succeed. Our approach to literacy aligns with the principles of the new Welsh curriculum and the four purposes, ensuring that every pupil becomes an ambitious, capable learner who can communicate effectively in a range of contexts. We are committed to equity in literacy, providing tailored support and opportunities so that all learners, regardless of background or ability, can develop the skills they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Our school ethos—"Working Together for Success"—extends fully into our literacy provision. We recognise that literacy success is a shared responsibility, involving teachers, support staff, parents, and the wider community. By working together, we create a rich literacy environment where every child can develop confidence and proficiency in reading, writing, and communication. Through this collaborative approach, we ensure that every learner has the opportunity to achieve their full potential in literacy, setting them up for lifelong success.

 Literacy Intervention 

In addition to the high-quality support we provide in developing literacy skills—across reading, writing, speaking, and listening across our curriculum during lesson time, we also offer a suite of intervention programmes.

These programmes are designed to support and accelerate learners' progress whenever a specific need is identified, ensuring that each student receives the targeted help they require to reach their full potential.

Currently, we offer Fresh Start, Lexonic, Literacy Acceleration, IDL, and Handwriting Intervention. 

Sparx Reader 

At our school, we are committed to supporting students' literacy development. For the past two years, we have focused particularly on enhancing our learners' reading capabilities. We recognise that reading is the foundation of all learning, and developing strong reading skills has a lasting impact on academic success. One of the key ways we do this is through Sparx Reader, an innovative online platform designed to improve reading skills and encourage independent reading.

Sparx Reader is tailored to meet each student’s individual reading level and progress, ensuring that they are both challenged and supported in their reading journey. To help students grow as confident and capable readers, we ask them to complete 600 Sparx Reading Points (SRP) each week, which equals about one hour of focused, thoughtful reading. In school, students participate in one dedicated reading lesson each week, which helps to introduce and reinforce key reading strategies. However, we ask that students complete the remaining SRP at home as part of their homework. The goal of Sparx Reader is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and independent reading at home, creating a seamless learning experience that encourages students to take ownership of their reading development.

How It Works

• Weekly Target: Each student is expected to complete 600 SRP, which equates to roughly one hour of reading per week. This allows for a balanced and manageable amount of time each week, ensuring students can make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.
• Homework Window: The platform opens at 3:00 PM every Friday and closes at 2:40 PM the following Friday. Students are given a week-long window to complete their reading assignments at their own pace, which encourages them to develop good time management and responsibility for their learning.

This flexible system allows students to work around their schedules, setting aside time to read at a pace that works for them. While completing their weekly reading, students can explore different genres and topics, which not only improves their reading comprehension but also broadens their vocabulary and knowledge base.

To ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, we offer Sparx Reader Club after school and during lunchtime. The club runs on Monday and Wednesday afternoons as well as Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes, providing students with a supportive space to complete their reading assignments. Here, students can receive one-on-one or small-group assistance from Mrs. Williams-Griffiths and Mr. Llewellyn, who are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer encouragement. Additionally, students can complete their readings alongside their peers in a collaborative and motivating environment.

We encourage families to actively support their children’s reading habits by helping them create a routine at home. Setting aside time for reading each day or a few times a week can make a big difference in meeting the weekly SRP target. The consistency of this practice will help build students’ confidence and skills, creating a solid foundation for literacy success.

Why It Matters

Consistent practice on Sparx Reader will not only improve reading comprehension and boost confidence, but it will also foster a lifelong love of reading. Reading regularly helps to enhance focus, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential in all areas of learning. By engaging with Sparx Reader, students develop the skills needed to become independent, motivated learners who are prepared for the challenges of the future.

As a school, we are excited about the progress our students are making through Sparx Reader and look forward to seeing how this platform continues to support their growth as readers. We ask that parents remain engaged with their children’s reading progress and communicate with us if there are any concerns or difficulties. Together, we can create a positive and enriching reading experience for all learners.