Intent:

At Astrea Academy Sheffield Primary Phase, reading is at the heart of our curriculum and the key to unlocking learning across all subjects. We are committed to ensuring every child becomes a fluent, confident reader with a lifelong love of books. Through Literacy Tree and its carefully chosen range of high-quality texts, scholars experience rich language, diverse perspectives and inspiring stories that broaden their understanding of the world. We explicitly teach ambitious vocabulary and disciplinary literacy, enabling children to communicate effectively and think critically. By immersing scholars in exceptional literature, we develop confident readers, successful learners and aspiring writers.

Implementation:

Literacy Tree is used across the school from Reception to Year 6, with Writing Roots providing a clear and progressive journey in reading and writing. Grammar, vocabulary and composition are taught through high-quality texts, helping children see the purpose and relevance of their learning. Teachers use modelling and shared writing to build scholars’ confidence and independence, while the Steps in Progression framework helps ensure support and challenge are in place for all learners. Oracy is an important part of the writing process, giving scholars opportunities to develop vocabulary, discuss ideas and rehearse ideas before writing. A whole-school writing project based on Flower Block, combined with an inspiring visit from author Lanisha Butterfield, generated real excitement and enthusiasm for reading, writing and storytelling across the school.

Impact:

The impact of our Literacy Tree approach is evident across the school. Scholars are highly engaged in reading and writing, producing work of increasing quality, creativity and depth. High-quality texts inspire meaningful outcomes, while scholars confidently apply their literacy skills across the wider curriculum. Our scholars see themselves as readers and writers, and their enthusiasm for books, storytelling and author engagement continues to grow.

Teacher testimonial 

I have thoroughly enjoyed using the Literacy Tree planning this year. The books we have covered in Year 5 have been brilliant with beautiful illustrations and the children have created some impressive and skilful pieces of writing. I have also enjoyed teaching in the Literacy Tree format; teaching a skill and then using it in a shared or mini write.

Teacher testimonial

Literacy Tree has provided my class with a range of books that both excite them and keep them curious about the world! I love that each plan creates awe and wonder about the story and allows children to explore different aspects of the text. I have noticed that children are eager to write, as literacy tree encourages children to include their own ideas and be creative.

Principal testimonial

As principal, I have seen a remarkable shift in both enthusiasm and achievement in writing since embedding Literacy Tree across our curriculum. Using real, high-quality books has ignited a genuine love of reading and writing among our scholars, and the expert support from Literacy Tree has empowered our teachers to plan with confidence. By following clear, structured guidance in Steps in Progression, we have strengthened consistency and raised expectations – resulting in a 7% increase in writing outcomes over the past year. This is impact we can see not only in the data, but in the joy and pride our scholars now bring to their writing.