27. Implementing a disciplinary literacy strategy with Sophie Prescott

With 20 years of teaching experience, Sophie Prescott has held various leadership roles across schools in the Midlands. From a background as a science teacher, her current responsibilities now include overseeing Reading and Literacy, supporting disadvantaged students, and contributing to SCITT development. She is passionate about each of these areas, and as a non-English specialist, she is uniquely positioned to advance literacy initiatives and positively impact the life chances of all pupils in her setting. 

Discover innovative approaches to literacy enhancement with a focus on empowering disadvantaged pupils. Sophie shares her experience of implementing Bedrock at Key Stage 3, where she successfully weaves vocabulary and grammar components into the curriculum. You'll learn about her structured literacy lessons that not only improve reading and oracy skills but also promote self-guided learning beyond the classroom. As a science specialist, Sophie provides a unique perspective on making academic vocabulary accessible and relevant across different subjects, benefiting both students and staff with a comprehensive language learning strategy.

Unravel the secret to nurturing disciplinary literacy as we discuss how schools can collaboratively define and build literacy skills vital for subjects like science, history, and geography. The episode highlights the strategic rollout of Bedrock, emphasising engaging middle leaders, students, and parents to create a thriving literacy environment. We explore the pivotal role of technology, such as MAPPA, in supporting the mission to enhance literacy skills. With future plans to foster excitement through rewards and collaborative initiatives, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights for educators seeking to elevate their literacy programs and engage their communities.