Year 7 – 9
Literacy
Key Stage: KS3 (Year 7)
At Hammersmith Academy, we believe that strong literacy skills are essential for success across all areas of learning and life. Our Year 7 Literacy programme is designed to develop confident readers, thoughtful communicators and independent learners through a structured approach to reading, writing, speaking and listening. We aim to foster a lifelong love of reading while helping students build the literacy skills needed to access the wider curriculum successfully. Through carefully selected texts, discussion, vocabulary development and reading for pleasure, students strengthen their confidence, curiosity and understanding of the world around them.
Why Extra Literacy?
- Builds confident, fluent readers and communicators
- Strengthens vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Develops reading skills that support success across every subject
- Encourages a genuine enjoyment of reading and independent learning
- Introduces students to ambitious, thought provoking texts beyond the English curriculum
- Broadens perspectives through literature, culture and diverse voices
Literacy is a fundamental skill that supports success across every subject and prepares students for life beyond school. At Hammersmith Academy, all Year 7 students begin each day with a dedicated 30-minute Literacy session, led by specially trained staff who deliver guided reading and targeted literacy activities.
The programme is designed to strengthen reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar while encouraging a genuine enjoyment of reading. Students explore a wide range of carefully selected texts beyond the core English curriculum, helping them encounter different perspectives, cultures and experiences.
At Key Stage 3, the Literacy curriculum supports students in becoming confident and independent learners. Through regular reading, discussion and reflection, students improve their communication skills, deepen their understanding of texts and build the literacy foundations needed for success across the wider curriculum.
Students are also encouraged to develop positive reading habits beyond the classroom, including carrying a reading book daily as part of their ‘Power of 3’ equipment.
Literacy Session Overview
Half-Term 1: Can You See Me?
Students explore themes of identity, friendship and inclusion while developing reading comprehension and discussion skills.
Half-Term 2: Ghost Boys
Students examine themes of justice, prejudice and empathy through guided reading and reflective discussion.
Half-Term 3: Coraline
Students analyse character, setting and atmosphere while exploring elements of fantasy and suspense.
Half-Term 4: Long Way Down
Students study narrative voice, structure and conflict through contemporary verse fiction.
Half-Term 5: Kensuke’s Kingdom
Students explore adventure writing, survival and relationships while developing analytical and inferential reading skills.
Half-Term 6: Face
Students consider themes of identity, resilience and self-perception through discussion and written response activities.
Reading Culture at Hammersmith Academy
We aim to instil a lifelong love of literacy by encouraging students to read widely and regularly both in and out of school.
The Academy Library provides access to thousands of books across a wide range of genres and interests, with staff available to recommend texts that support students’ reading development and enjoyment.
Our HA Literacy 100 reading collection is a carefully curated reading list created by the English Department and Library team. Each year group has access to a range of recommended texts designed to challenge reading skills, broaden experiences and encourage reading for pleasure.
Students are encouraged to read at least one book from the Literacy 100 collection each academic year.
Skills Gained
Students develop a range of literacy and transferable skills, including:
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Vocabulary development
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Speaking and listening skills
- Critical thinking and discussion
- Written communication
- Confidence and independent learning
These skills support achievement across the curriculum and help students become confident, resilient learners.
Supporting Literacy at Home
Families are encouraged to support literacy development by:
- Encouraging regular reading at home
- Discussing books, articles and current events
- Promoting a wide range of reading materials including fiction and non-fiction
- Supporting vocabulary development through conversation and discussion
- Encouraging students to write regularly and reflect on their reading
Regular reading practice plays a vital role in helping students strengthen their literacy skills, broaden their knowledge and develop confidence as learners.
