As a Multi Academy Trust, we have 5 primary schools and 4 secondary schools. We began our Literacy Tree journey around 4 years ago when one of our primary schools, Whiston Willis, implemented the book-based approach, closely followed by Yew Tree. Now, as a Trust, we have implemented Literacy Tree across all our primary academies, adopting a consistent approach to the teaching and learning of English. Exposing our primary children to high quality, age-appropriate literature from a range of authors gives them a real rich context for writing for a range of audience and purpose.
By embedding a consistent approach to the teaching of English, we have been able to really get the most out of the CPD that Literacy Tree offer and utilise the consultancy days either with a whole Trust focus or following the CPD needs of each individual school: ensuring that all of our Trust practitioners remain up – skilled and up to date on all of the latest English developments. We also have a Primary Improvement Lead, who works across all Trust primary schools, facilitating the collaboration and networking of Literacy Tree amongst English leads and staff. With the ultimate aim of developing highly-skilled English practitioners, we are assured that our children have access to a high quality, ambitious, text-led English curriculum, through Literacy Tree.
In addition, we have been able to invest and develop our own library of high quality texts, linked to Literacy Tree resources, which we house in a central storage – fully accessible to all of our schools.
A consistent approach also enables staff from EYFS to Year 6 to collaborate using a consistent language and approach. Sharing ideas, sharing resources and simply supporting and sharing good practice – without a shared vision – it would not be as easy to effectively collaborate like we do!
Recently, we were awarded Flagship Trust status which we are extremely privileged to have achieved and we are excited to continue our journey with the wonderful Literacy Tree team; sharing the wonderful and successful outcomes the Literacy Tree can achieve for our children!
Rachel Pender, Assistant Head, Whiston Willis
