Literacy is probably the most fundamental and crucial part of education and life-long learning. Without it, all other learning is impossible. Traditionally we have thought about literacy as the skills of reading and writing; but today our understanding of literacy encompasses much more than that.
It is defined as “the capacity to read, understand and critically appreciate various forms of communication including spoken language, printed text, broadcast media, and digital media.”(DES, 2011 p.8)
Source: (Department of Education and Skills. “Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life.” 2011.)
In response to the national strategy (2011-2020) to improve literacy and numeracy, Mount Anville has developed a series of initiatives to boost both students’ literacy, and digital literacy capacities.
- Manage a qualitative and quantitative reading programme across the school to ensure that all our students develop a habit of reading,
- Each teacher will use a literacy checklist to ensure that literacy is embedded in every class,
- Each Subject Department will teach the key vocabulary/terms to each student,
- Ensure that each student is offered a regular reading class,
- Multi language debating opportunities will be offered at all levels
- Students’ competency and confidence in oral expression will be improved through the use of pubic speaking classes, Classroom Based Assessments, and oral exams