As a school one of our Site Improvement Goals is a focus on reading. This goal has been ongoing and as such as teachers we are identifying areas of student focus and stretch around reading and vocabulary. The whole school vocabulary focus provides students with the opportunity to-

• Question what words mean, understand, deconstruct, and learn how to spell them with the ultimate purpose being that students use them in their writing.

Year 8 and 9 English students participate in forensic reading once a week. During this time students work busily with their zone teacher, in small groups and individually to unpack a piece of writing. Teachers and students use specific strategies  to really pull the text apart to support understanding with the hope that students will use these skills in all of their subjects. Mastering such skills will place students in a good position during their senior years.

Timed writing is experienced during the school day and as such students are encouraged to write as much as they can in a short amount of time building confidence and fluency in their writing. Students write about a variety of subjects capturing a range of genre types. Independent reading is highly encouraged at home and at school.

As a family it is extremely powerful to share what you are currently reading with one another. Discussions with your child reinforces role modelling around a lifelong skill. We support and encourage reading at Renmark High School by ensuring that time is spent reading independently and to classroom teachers all the while building fluency and confidence.

Biljana Elliott - Senior Leader Literacy & Global Perspectives