Reading and literacy initiatives in Portsmouth: an in-depth interview
World Book Day is always a popular way to celebrate literacy in schools across the city. Both staff and pupils often come dressed up as their favourite book characters and participate in book-themed activities, which in turn reinforces the importance of reading and creativity.
We spoke to Debbie Anderson, head of school improvement and early years at Portsmouth City Council to find out why World Book Day is an important date in the school calendar and the investment that will drive literacy standards in the city.1. Why is world book day such an important event in the school calendar?
World Book Day is an important event in the annual calendar for schools and early years settings because it highlights the wonderful experiences that we can all have through reading. 50 million £1 tokens are distributed before World Book Day so children and young people can choose, buy, and own a book for themselves, for free. Therefore, World Book Day has a two-fold purpose and impact, firstly to inspire all children and young people to become life-long readers and secondly to enable them to become book owners.
2. What is your favourite book that you like to read to children?
There are so many wonderful children's books, it is really hard to pin down just one that is my personal favourite to read to children. From picture books to longer ones with chapters and then young people's novels, there really is something out there for everyone, and that's before even thinking about non-fiction, plays and poetry. I really am an advocate for reading!
3. Portsmouth is the only city in the south to be selected as a new priority education investment area - what does this mean for the literacy within schools and colleges in Portsmouth?
Additional funding for literacy in Portsmouth means we can build on the work already started, such as the activities led by the Portsmouth Education Partnership's Early Language and Literacy Development Group.
By undertaking evidence-based projects and enabling professionals to work together we are aiming to improve outcomes for children and young people by raising standards in Reading and Writing at Key Stage 2 and English GCSEs in our secondary schools.The aspiration to have a member of staff in every Portsmouth school who has obtained the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) will provide us with a group of literacy champions who can drive and embed the literacy priority actions outlined in our Priority Education Investment Area delivery plan.
4. How is Portsmouth improving the literacy outcomes of children and young people?
Literacy development starts in early years with the youngest children. A range of local stakeholders have produced our 'Portsmouth Commitment to Early Language Development' which can be found on the Portsmouth Education Partnership website. This sets out the expectations of each partner group to develop children's vocabulary. Activities and experiences in early years settings should contribute towards this commitment.
Portsmouth Education Partnership schools have been working closely with wider partners such as Hackney Education who have designed a Key Stage 2 programme called 'Destination Reader'. A number of our primary schools have adopted this and two secondaries are trialling it.
Collaborative and joined up working is a key part of our determination to improve literacy in Portsmouth. Hence the wide range of contributors attending our first Portsmouth Education Partnership Teaching and Learning Conference ~ Portsmouth Reads, in March 2023
5. What tips would you give to someone wanting to teach English/reading in the city?
I think that you have to be passionate about books and reading yourself and understand the contribution that being a successful reader makes to the life chances of children and young people. Knowing about how children learn to read is helpful, as children do not just become readers. "Fluency and enjoyment are the result of careful teaching and frequent practice." (The reading framework - teaching the foundations of literacy, Department for Education January 2022)
6. Start something exciting today!
Inspired to kickstart your teaching career in Portsmouth, find out more about training to teach here.
Victoria Boscaro 