Skills Development at Cowbridge School

‘Literacy, numeracy and digital competence are essential to all learning and the ability to unlock knowledge. They enable learners to access the breadth of a school’s curriculum and the wealth of opportunities it offers, equipping them with lifelong skills. These are skills that can be transferred to the world of work, enabling learners to adapt and thrive in the modern world. Learners need to be adaptable, capable of learning new skills throughout life and equipped to cope with new life scenarios.’
[Curriculum for Wales]

Throughout their time at Cowbridge School, pupils continually develop these cross-curricular skills as part of a broad and balanced curriculum that is designed to prepare them for examinations, further study, adult life and the world of work. 

In addition, pupils in Key Stage 3 are also supported in developing their skills through our literacy and numeracy blended learning programme. At the core of this programme is the Literacy and Numeracy Google Classroom which has useful resources and activities designed to support pupils in their skills and knowledge development across the curriculum. The Classroom has weekly and termly themed challenges in which pupils can participate.

Pupils with additional learning needs are supported in their literacy and numeracy development as part of our aim to be a fully inclusive school. Click here for more information about ALN.
 

Google Classroom Literacy and Numeracy Support - Resources

The following toolkits are included within the Classroom:

• literacy help sheets designed to support pupils’ spelling, punctuation, grammar and extended writing skills;

• numeracy help sheets on number operations, understanding measures and data handling

Pupils are encouraged to use these during lessons and also at home to support their learning.

Included within the numeracy toolkits are some amazing videos created by Mr Doey. You can view these here.
Calculating the mean
How to spot anomolies in tables and graphs
How to pick the best scale for a graph

Google Classroom Weekly and Themed Challenges

You can learn more about the weekly and themed challenges and skills projects that have taken place by clicking below:

Money Matters Week July 2023
National Numeracy Day 17th May 2023
CS Podcasts Spring 2023
Autumn 2022
Balloon Car Racing
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
Spring 2022
Autumn 2021
March 2021
February 2021
November 2020

Supporting your Child’s Literacy and Numeracy Development

An effective way to share a love of learning with your child is to read together. The school has a subscription to the online newspaper "The Day" which is written especially for young people. Articles cover everything from current affairs to specific curriculum subject topics so there really is something for everyone! You can access the website here.

As a parent or carer you play a significant role in your child’s learning by setting expectations, nurturing curiosity, and encouraging a love of learning. The following guides are designed to help you support your child in their learning at home.

Literacy Skills Guides for Parents/Carers
Numeracy Skills Guides for Parents/Carers

Further Information and Reading

Talking about what your child is reading:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/blog-supporting-parents-to-undertake-brilliant-book-talk

Supporting reading at home:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Publications/Covid-19_Resources/Resources_for_schools/7_Top_Tips_to_Support_Reading_at_Home.pdf

National Literacy Trust Resources for 9-12 year olds:
https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/filter/?age=9-12

National Literacy Trust Resources for 13+ year olds:
https://wordsforlife.org.uk/zone-in/

Resources and ideas for numeracy at home:
https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/helping-children-maths/family-maths-toolkit

Supporting numeracy at home:
https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-at-home/supporting-numeracy/