Literacy is so important if we are really serious about changing lives
Beckfoot Literacy Strategy
When I became Head of Beckfoot way back in 2019 there was clear evidence that our students were not reading enough, that their ability to access work and exams was weakening and that they would be at a disadvantage for life if we didn’t seek to address those concerns. Over the past 5 years, under the leadership of Mr. Parkinson, we have transformed our provision not just in English but school wide. Literacy now features in tutor time, in all lessons, in our Teaching and Oracy strategies, in our writing strategies and in so many more aspects of our work. Our Sixth Form students are supporting more younger students than ever with their reading and comprehension and our recent reading age data suggests that the impact has been huge. For example our Year 8 students have made over 18 months of progress in 9 short months whilst our Year 10 students have made 25 months of progress in 21 months. More students than we have ever known are now reading at their chronological age and we are excited about how this will help to shape their futures well beyond our gates. We are determined in the months and years ahead that every Beckfooter will read, write and speak with confidence. The exam data suggests that is not an unrealistic vision given that our English Language results, and all others, have never been stronger at Beckfoot. Our work in this critical area of education is making a difference and the support we are receiving from families and our local community is not to be underestimated.
World Book Day
Continuing the theme of literacy, last week saw the annual return of World Book Day. This day is important because it helps to inspire and educate our students about to the power of books. It helps to promote a love of reading and raises awareness about the different types of books available here at Beckfoot, in local libraries, in shops and online. As you know reading fuels the imagination and that is always a positive for young people in today’s world of technology, social media and gaming. For all those reasons our staff find the time every year to dress up as their favourite book characters and spend time reading to students in every lesson of the day. The idea is that each class will read a chapter of a book in every lesson and complete the story by the end of the day. It is a lovely idea and helps to reignite a spark in many of our students when it comes to books and reading. Indeed, the spike in the number of books being loaned from our LRC is always uplifting. A special mention goes to our wonderful LRC team who go over and above every year to drive the importance of World Book Day and transform our library into the set of something wonderful. This year it was 101 Dalmatians.
Josh in Year 9
Many of you will recognise the name because I often share news of what Josh is doing in the world of sport. This time I learned that Josh recently competed in the National Indoor Para Championships at the English Institute for Sport. Such is his standing at this level, British Athletics provided his accommodation to allow him to be at his best for the meet. And they were not wrong! Josh secured three Gold medals with 3 personal bests over the weekend. He is such a humble and positive young man that I have to almost summon him to my office to hear all about his exploits and success. I am thrilled for him and his family and I am looking forward to what he will do next this summer. Well done Josh.
Our third Iftar
Last night I, once again, had the pleasure of attending our annual Iftar in school. Iftar is the fast breaking evening meal that our Muslim students and families enjoy each evening. This event is now in its third year and is led by our Sixth Form students for Sixth Form students. It is such a lovely event and it is very special for me to spend time with our young people at any point but especially when I am invited at their request. The importance of belonging has never been more critical for all our students and the variety of events and enrichment opportunities we provide help with that I hope. In three short weeks from now we will hold our whole school cultures day and our students are excited about that, so excited that they have already provided me with a range of ideas of what I should wear as an Irishman……well one actually!
Finally
Secondary School of the Year nomination - At the end of this month we will attend the Bradford Teaching Awards dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel as one of three secondary schools shortlisted in that category. We had a film crew in last week and they loved our students and school. Regardless of what happens it is such an honour to be even considered.
Sixth Form in the top 16 in West Yorkshire - As you know, our Sixth Form is an incredibly important part of our school community. Every day, our Post 16 students are doing amazing things and demonstrate exceptional dedication to academic learning, their leadership roles and their contribution to the wider life of our school through involvement in volunteering. Their ambition and determination very much helps to shape the culture of excellence at our school. Each year more and more of them are building their futures at 
Beckfoot and the manner in which they are prepared for life beyond Beckfoot is something that makes us very proud. Under the leadership of Dr. Wright and his team we are building a very special provision at Beckfoot. It is exciting and very much focussed on students, their next steps, their personal and social development and their aspirations. Beckfoot School continues to thrive. Our school is one of the top performing in the city and county, with students who excel in terms of learning, attitudes, behaviour, personal development and so much more. They breathe life into our building each morning and they are such a pleasure to work alongside.
Our First published book – This week, we learned that the book written by Miss Sullivan, Ms Heaton, and Mrs Lowde (RE) will be published later this year. The book focuses on the role of Oracy in schools, and how speaking and listening can support the learning of our young people. The book also shares a range of Case Studies, looking at how schools might develop their Oracy provision, some of which have been written by other teachers within our school - Mrs Ickringill, Mrs Senyk, Ms Ashraf and Miss Mclean. There are two more books that have been written or co-written by our staff, based on our work, that are due to be published later this year which I am very proud of.
Take care as always and thank you for all your support for our Beckfoot Community.
Simon Wade, Headteacher
