It is no secret than lowering literacy levels continues to be a growing concern in Australia. (OECD, 2021). The growth of technology continues to challenge us, as we find ourselves having to read across different forms and formats. Students today need to have proficient literacy skills to engage in communication, and their skills need to increasingly become more varied and challenging. (Sizmur et al.,2019). Literacy is one of the most valuable skills a student will need for leaving school and becoming a successful adult (Merga, 2022).

What action could be taken at my school to improve literacy levels? Through the fortnightly reading lessons from Year 7 to 9, I would continue to provide opportunities for reading for pleasure (Rfp), read aloud to students and ensure plentiful time for focused silent reading. Additionally, I would like to increase the opportunities for the Teacher Librarians to teach explicit reading skills and strategies both within these lessons and through organised visits to English classes. I would like to see more reading opportunities within the English Curriculum for students in years 10-12 and would work with leadership and the English Department to try to achieve this.

I found it interesting that recent research such as Jerrim and Moss (2019), have found that the reading of fiction books offers the largest academic advantage. Building on this,  I will continue to build the fiction collection in particular, so students have access to a diverse range of age appropriate, interesting and contemporary relevant books.