Figures released by the Department of Education this week revealed that more five-year-olds than ever before are achieving expected standards in literacy and maths. What’s more, the gender gap – where boys are outperformed by their female classmates – has reduced (though it is still present).
But other research has been less positive about our literacy results. According to a 2010 study by Dr Sammy Rashid and Professor Greg Brooks for the University of Sheffield, although literacy is a key focus in primary schools, the emphasis can often be lost at secondary level. Researchers found that almost a fifth of 16- to 19-year-olds have a reading age at or below 11 years and 17% of teenagers are leaving school functionally illiterate.
So how can we support teachers to boost literacy? What best practice is there? And what strategies should you avoid? On Wednesday 21 October, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, we will be discussing all things literacy-related. Our panel of teachers and other related experts will be on hand to answer all your questions and debate key issues. From sharing teaching tips and lesson plans to intervention ideas across primary, secondary, special educational needs (SEN) and English as additional language (EAL) – no stone will be left unturned.
Comments are open so please post your questions and ideas below now and our panel will respond when they are online. Alternatively, you can join us live on Wednesday 21 October, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, or follow all the action via @GuardianTeach using #literacychat.
Panellists
Alan Gillepsie teaches English at Fernhill School in Glasgow and is a widely published short story writer. He tweets @afjgillepsie.
Louise Kanolik is the library and extended schools manager at Loxford School in Essex. She and her team are responsible for keeping three busy school libraries running efficiently, as well as supporting other libraries belonging to the trust. Her school was named Reading School of the Year and been praised for excellent practice in promoting reading for pleasure.
Charlotte Hacking is the learning programme leader at the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education. As an experienced teacher and senior leader, she has taught across the primary school age range and worked as a literacy consultant within a local authority. She has also collaborated with a wide number of schools in developing their practice and provision around early reading and writing. Follow @clpe1 on Twitter.
Jonny Davies is a primary school teacher and literacy consultant for Pobble, which is a website that publishes children’s writing. Pobble was set up by a group of teachers and school leaders to help build children’s confidence in writing. He tweets @jonnypobble.
Julie Gibbings, a former secondary school teacher, is the schools manager for the National Literacy Trust. She leads the team that ensures schools and literacy professionals are supported effectively. She is also a school governor. Follow @Literacy_Trust on Twitter.
Diane Leedham is a freelance English, literacy and EAL teacher and consultant. She has more that 30 years’ experience in teaching, teacher development, training and school leadership across all key stages. She tweets @dileed.
