Here at St Gerard's Catholic Primary School in Birmingham, we have been working with the Literary Tree since September 2021.
The immediate response was extremely positive from teachers and children when first implemented. It was their excitement about the varying texts appearing in their classroom and the engaging 'hook' lessons at the start of each unit. We initially used it as a scheme to give time for the teachers to understand the pedagogy and pattern in which the unit follows but after some time we decided as a school to use it more as a framework. This was decided because the teachers could then have the freedom to adapt lessons according their class and their needs. The subject leader still knew that there was a clear skills progression in place and the texts the children were being exposed to were extremely high quality.
Over the last 2 years, the Literacy Tree has changed our school for the better. The children are now much more enthusiastic about reading at home and at school. They are more confident about talking about reading and their attainment has improved. In terms of writing, this is where we have seen the biggest change. The children want to write. They have become passionate writers as there is a purpose to their writing and there is always an audience. Since working with the Literacy Tree, and taking part in spirited debates, meaning role play and having their teachers teach in role, children have felt empowered and have chosen to independently write to MP's and authors. They have even started the movement #Cartoonsnotcruelty after speaking to refugees and feeling confident enough to speak out about issues they felt were wrong.
We are now honoured to be one of the Literacy Tree's flagship schools and are excited about what the future holds.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-school-kids-inspire-national-27390860
Libby Crane
English Subject Leader
