by | Jun 3, 2021

Blackpool literacy project: frontline voices

A new report shares stories from the Blackpool Key Stage 3 Literacy project during the pandemic

“To be part of place-based change was really important. I wanted my colleagues to be invested and to see the whole-town picture. Historically, the school might have been an underdog, but we could make meaningful changes.”

Bernadette Kaye, Assistant Headteacher at South Shore School in, ‘Words of Encouragement: Reading resilience during the pandemic’

 

The positive impact of the Key Stage 3 Literacy Programme is being felt and seen in Blackpool. The community literacy project initiative, which is managed by Right to Succeed, aims to improve literacy across seven secondary schools and one pupil referral unit (PRU) in Blackpool, thereby addressing the low reading abilities of many 11- to 14-year-olds in one of the most deprived towns in the country. Launched only two-and-a-half years ago, the programme, which takes a collective approach to sharing data and best practice across the town, has already seen strong results.

This success has been recognised in GL Assessment’s recently published report: ‘Words of Encouragement: Reading resilience during the pandemic’ which highlights some of the beneficial interventions that have taken place in children and young people’s education over the period of lockdown in 2020 and 2021. The report offers particular insight into how reading ability has been impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic and the strategies implemented to tackle the challenges that have arisen.

We are delighted to be able to share the positive experiences of teachers involved in the KS3 Literacy programme and the benefits of the community-wide, collective approach it exemplifies, as detailed in the report.

 

“When we first started off on the journey there were an abundance of transactional interventions aimed at supporting targeted cohorts of pupils…. what we’re really seeing now is a cultural shift across all the schools where every child in Key Stage 3 is receiving a high quality literacy offer.”

Paul O’Neill, Chief Programmes Officer, Right to Succeed in, Words of Encouragement: Reading resilience during the pandemic

 

You can read the full report here and to find out more about GL Assessment and the work they do, please visit their website.

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“Right to Succeed’s research-informed approach is made sustainable through their commitment to harness the power of the collective.”

Sir Harvey McGrath, British business and philanthropy Executive and Right to Succeed funder

Right to Succeed
2019-03-14T14:50:34+00:00

Sir Harvey McGrath, British business and philanthropy Executive and Right to Succeed funder

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“Right to Succeed’s research-informed approach is made sustainable through their commitment to harness the power of the collective.”
Right to Succeed Logo

"They have challenged our thinking, provided tools to help us improve our outcomes for young people and remained consistent throughout the process to date."

Head SLT Ed Diversity

Right to Succeed
2019-03-21T20:41:08+00:00

Head SLT Ed Diversity

Right to Succeed Logo
"They have challenged our thinking, provided tools to help us improve our outcomes for young people and remained consistent throughout the process to date."
Right to Succeed Logo

"It shows me that the work that you are doing is enormously important. You are acting as filters, brokers, and relationship-builders. You are nudging, monitoring and linking the work in the region. You are generating momentum, funding, and enthusiasm."

David Weston CEO at Teacher Development Trust

Right to Succeed
2019-03-21T20:45:45+00:00

David Weston CEO at Teacher Development Trust

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"It shows me that the work that you are doing is enormously important. You are acting as filters, brokers, and relationship-builders. You are nudging, monitoring and linking the work in the region. You are generating momentum, funding, and enthusiasm."
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"After 30 years in this profession and eight years as a Head Teacher I can honestly say that I have never before worked with such professional people who have been able to challenge my thinking and inspire my practice"

Wendy Casson, Headteacher, Educational Diversity Pupil Referral Unit, Blackpool

Right to Succeed
2019-03-21T20:19:42+00:00

Wendy Casson, Headteacher, Educational Diversity Pupil Referral Unit, Blackpool

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"After 30 years in this profession and eight years as a Head Teacher I can honestly say that I have never before worked with such professional people who have been able to challenge my thinking and inspire my practice"
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