Teaching and Learning

Disciplinary literacy

We have used evidence from the EEF ‘Improving Literacy in Secondary Schools Guidance Report’ and in particular the idea of disciplinary literacy that emphasises the importance of subject-specific literacy.  

Disciplinary literacy supports students to get better at reading, writing, and oracy within each subject area, leading to better global literacy skills and improved student performance within the subject at the same time.  

In lessons, we constantly circle back to key conceptual knowledge and vocabulary. Subject-specific vocabulary is not presumed; it is taught, learned, and understood. 

As a school you will see these interwoven across our curriculum: 

• Vocabulary mapped against the 5-year learning journey 
• Embedded use of high utility, portable words (tier 2 and 3) which allow students to understand key concepts 
• Key vocabulary being taught using evidence-based strategies