"RAISING literacy in young people is key to raising attainment in all areas."
This was the message from Clare Glaves, the assistant principal of John Whitgift Academy, as the school became the first to introduce an interactive reading system aimed at improving literacy standards.
Particularly focused on years Seven, Eight and Nine, the launch of the scheme follows news that nearly half of children in North East Lincolnshire are failing to meet the required reading standards in their first year of primary school, as reported.
Mrs Glaves added: "Young people have a lot of distractions today, such as computer games and movies, but we want to try to develop a culture of reading and a love for books, because literacy has an impact on attainment in every single subject."
The new department has books marked with varying reading levels and each book has a code which students can use to access an interactive quiz.
If the student scores full marks on the quiz, it would indicate that they are reading at a comfortable level or could choose a more challenging book.
However, if the quiz shows a lack of understanding, the child may be encouraged to pick a slightly easier book next time.
Students in years Seven to Nine have already been tested and have been allocated a book according to their reading level.
Sally Smith, who manages the department with Rebecca Smith, said: "If young people pick up a book that they don't understand, it can really put them off, but this provides a clear guide so that they can pick something they will enjoy."
Children in years Seven to Nine have one literacy lesson a week but the department will also be open at lunch and break times.
Parents have also been invited into the school to be given an introduction to the system and how to encourage reading at home.
Rebecca Smith said: "We are open any time for people who want to read more or need a little extra help.
"We will also be selecting pupils in years Ten and Eleven who could benefit from extra support."
Principal Mark Rushby said: "We are very passionate about raising literacy standards.
"A recent study showed that one in seven adults do not read at a sufficient level to properly understand a newspaper or even instructions on the back of a bottle of medicine.
"It also shows these people's children are more likely to have poor literacy skills, so it can become an endless cycle – unless we do something to address it."
Councillor Peggy Elliott (Lab, Freshney) said: "Literacy is everything and yet again, John Whitgift is leading the way in taking measures to improve it."
