Literacy and Oracy Development
Welcome to Literacy and Oracy at Goffs-Churchgate Academy!
Here you will be able to learn a little more about what we do here on a day to day basis to promote and enhance the literacy skills of our students and why, as well as be provided with information and updates on recent literacy events that have taken place throughout the year with accompanying photos.
Word of the Week
Each week, our school introduces a new Word of the Week to help students expand their vocabulary and engage with ambitious terminology that is relevant across a range of subjects. At the start of each week, form tutors introduce the new word, encouraging students to understand its meaning and consider how it can be applied in different contexts. From September 2025, students will have the opportunity to record each Word of the Week in their planners, allowing them to build a personal bank of advanced vocabulary over time. Throughout the week, students are challenged to incorporate the word into their written and spoken work across the curriculum. Each time a student successfully uses the word in their work, they will be awarded a reward point, reinforcing the importance of developing strong language skills that will support their learning and future success.
Accelerated Reader
At Goffs Churchgate Academy, we place a strong emphasis on literacy and reading, recognising that these skills are essential for success across all subjects and in later life. To support our students in developing their reading ability, we are delighted to introduce Accelerated Reader, a highly effective external programme used by schools across the country to track and enhance students’ progress in reading. As part of our commitment to literacy, students in Key Stage 3 will have two dedicated literacy lessons across a fortnight, specifically designed to develop their reading, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.
Accelerated Reader works by assessing students’ reading levels and guiding them towards books that match their ability, ensuring they are challenged without feeling overwhelmed. After finishing a book, students take a short quiz to test their understanding, and their progress is monitored over time. This approach not only helps to improve reading fluency and comprehension but also fosters a love of reading by allowing students to choose books that interest them. The academy is exceptionally pleased to be using this platform, as it provides clear, measurable progress and allows teachers to offer targeted support where needed. By embedding Accelerated Reader into our curriculum, we aim to create a culture of reading that empowers students to develop confidence in their literacy skills, setting them up for academic success.
If you have any questions relating to Literacy here at Goffs-Churchgate, please contact Sophie Everist on s.everist@goffschurchgate.herts.sch.uk
If you have any questions relating to Oracy here at Goffs-Churchgate, please contact Alfie Wise on a.wise@goffschurchgate.herts.sch.uk
