Foundational Skills at WKGS
At WKGS, we recognise that strong foundations underpin successful learning. We place particular emphasis on developing the literacy, numeracy, handwriting and communication skills that enable all students to access our ambitious curriculum and achieve highly.
For the vast majority of students, our approach is one of ‘keeping up, not catching up’. Rather than relying on withdrawal from lessons, we prioritise the development of foundational skills through high-quality teaching across the curriculum, alongside targeted support where needed.
Literacy - ‘Wherever reading happens’
Literacy is everyone's responsibility. Across subjects, teachers explicitly develop vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling and written communication. Our focus is on ensuring that students can access increasingly complex texts, understand subject-specific language and communicate their knowledge accurately and effectively, including through extended writing.
Reading is central to our school culture. Reading is a regular feature of form time, and students are expected to have a reading book with them. Our exceptionally well-used Library provides a wealth of opportunities to engage with reading, supported by our Student Librarians, who play an active role in promoting a love of books across the school.
We assess reading ages regularly using the GL New Group Reading Test (NGRT), including for students joining our Sixth Form. This helps us identify students who may need additional support, including those reading below their chronological age or towards the lower end of the cohort. Our approach is informed by FFT's Unlocking Reading programme, with targeted interventions available where needed, including our Reciprocal Reader programme.
Oracy - ‘Talk for Learning’
Talk is an essential part of learning. Our whole-school focus on Talk for Learning ensures that students regularly articulate their thinking, discuss and challenge ideas, and use increasingly sophisticated academic vocabulary. Purposeful classroom talk deepens understanding, develops confidence and helps students think critically about their learning.
Handwriting
Fluent, legible handwriting supports confident, independent learning. We work closely with primary schools to identify students whose handwriting is still developing. Teachers can also raise concerns through our Thrive referral process, enabling us to explore underlying barriers and provide appropriate support, including targeted handwriting instruction.
Numeracy
Numeracy is developed wherever mathematical thinking is required. Across the curriculum, students apply and strengthen their mathematical knowledge, including number fluency, interpreting data, using measurements and reasoning quantitatively.
Gaps in foundational numeracy are identified primarily through Maths lessons and assessment, with targeted support provided where needed. This includes short-term interventions for Key Stage 3 students, supported by our Sixth Form Mathematics mentors, helping students develop confidence and fluency in essential mathematical skills.