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E-learning Module 1 – Introduction to Reading Schools

A short, e-learning module offering an introduction to the Reading Schools programme

Introduction

Welcome to our introduction to Reading Schools e-learning page, where we have curated a series of learning elements to help give you a working knowledge of the programme.

There are three learning areas covered on this page, providing you with an overview of the Reading Schools programme, the underpinning framework, an understanding of what Reading Schools looks like in practice and preparing you for your own Reading Schools journey.

Once you have completed all learning outcomes below, there will be the opportunity to join us at one of our drop in support sessions, where we will discuss what you have learned and what Reading Schools might look like in your setting. In this session there will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet fellow Reading Schools from across Scotland.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to download our handy checklist and note sheet, to complete as you work through the following learning outcomes

Learning outcome 1

This section should take 45 minutes to complete.

What is Reading Schools?

Please watch the following introductory video (5 mins) and website navigation video (6 mins) before continuing

In order to fully explore the Reading Schools programme, please work through the following actions:

1.1 Explore the Reading Schools website

The Reading Schools website is your one-stop-shop, containing information, resources and programme updates, as well as a project management interface. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the website – the navigation video, above, will help you to find all the relevant features:

Go to the home page

1.2 Explore the Reading Schools framework

The Reading Schools framework sits at the very heart of the programme. Mapped across eight quality indicator headings from How Good Is Our School 4? (HGIOS4), the framework describes the actions necessary to building a vibrant, engaging and impactful reading culture in your school. Each level of accreditation (Core, Silver and Gold) features a slightly different framework, to refect the progressive opportunities within the programme. You can read through each framework and explore the accreditation levels at the following link:

The Reading Schools framework

You can also watch our webinar shorts; these are short 3–10 minute videos that will help explain key areas within the framework and showcase practice examples we have seen through school evidence submissions. Visit the resources section of the Reading Schools website and use the filters to select 'training videos' and the key area you would like to know more about:

Reading Schools resources

1.3 Read our article on including Reading Schools in your school improvement plans

In order to secure whole-school buy-in, you might want to consider including Reading Schools in your school improvement planning process, especially if you have an ongoing focus on literacy and wellbeing. You can read our article on this:

Including Reading Schools in your improvement plans article

Learning outcome 2

This section should take 30 minutes to complete.

Reading Schools in practice

Now that you know a little more about the programme and how to navigate our website, we will begin to explore what Reading Schools looks like in practice, through case studies and articles from our participating schools.

Please watch the following website user navigation video (6 mins) before continuing

To further explore the Reading Schools programme and see what other schools are doing to achieve their accreditation, please complete the following actions:

2.1 Read the following case studies

It's important to understand the three accreditation levels and the framework expectations for schools hoping to achieve their award. These case studies have been taken from real schools, at each accreditation level. Read through them and make any notes that might help your plans for participating in the programme:

Antonine Primary School – Core case study

Braes High School – Silver case study

Whitburn Academy – Gold case study

2.2 Read our Community News

As schools embark on their own Reading Schools journeys, they have been sharing their hard work, fun and enthusiasm on social media and through our Community News. Have a read through some of our past editions to see what other schools have been doing to achieve their award.

Community articles

Extension: Have a look at schools tweeting about their Reading Schools journeys by searching for the hashtag #ReadingSchools.

2.3 Create a user account on the Reading Schools website

Now that you have seen all the fun and excitement schools are enjoying through their participation in the programme, you can set up your own user account on the Reading Schools website and take the first step towards achieving your very own award.

Create a Reading Schools user account

Learning outcome 3

This section should take 30 minutes to complete.

Your Reading Schools journey

Now that you know more about the programme and what other schools are doing, it's time to think about what Reading Schools might look like in your setting.

3.1 Level quiz

Having learned more about the three accreditation levels, you'll want to consider which level best suits your school community. The Reading Schools website has a number of tools to help you establish what will work best in your setting.

Use our level quiz to see which level might be best for you.

Reading Schools level quiz

3.2 Self-evaluation

With the level of accreditation in mind, complete our self-evaluation to see what your school might need to consider in order to pursue the award. You can select a self-evaluation template matching the level of accreditation you would to pursue here:

Reading Schools self-evaluation

3.3 Speak with your colleagues and senior leadership team

You'll now have a clearer understanding of the programme, the expectations for accreditation and what it might look like for your school, it's time to start sharing your thoughts and ideas with colleagues across the school.

If you haven't yet spoken to your senior leadership team, you should make sure they are aware of the programme and how it fits with your school's priorities.

If you are a senior leader, you should speak to your staff about the programme, how it can help meet your school's priorities and engage learners, families and the wider community in fun, exciting reading for pleasure activities.

Now would also be the time to consider including Reading Schools, or reading for pleasure, in your school improvement plans linked to your existing literacy priorities.

Reading Schools is a whole-school programme, so make sure your whole school is engaged and excited about taking part.

3.4 Start your Reading Schools application

It's now time to start your Reading Schools adventure.

Log in to your dashboard and create an application for your school at the accreditation level established earlier. This will create an action plan template for you to complete and assign you as your school's lead contact.

As this stage it is important to have established your reading leadership group to help steer and inform your Reading Schools journey and complete your action plan. Your learners have a key role to play and their voice should be heard loud and clear throughout your participation in the programme.

It is also important to make sure a number of other adults across the school are involved. They too will have an important part to play in supporting your school's application and contributing evidence to your submission for accreditation. From your school's application, you can invite new users to join the application and play an active role in your journey to accreditation (remember, only a lead contact can invite new users, submit your action plan and submit your final evidence plan for accreditation).

We hope you have an amazing time participating in Reading Schools! We're always on hand to provide support and advice, so please get in touch with us if we can help.

Conclusion and drop in support sessions

Well done! You have now completed our e-learning page on the Introduction to Reading Schools. You will now have a better understanding of the programme, how other schools have approached their journey to accreditation and what Reading Schools might look like for your setting.

If you have any queries or concerns, please join us at one of our drop in support sessions, where we will answer any questions and discuss your Reading Schools journey.

Now that you have completed this module, please access the following short self-assessment form, after which you will be emailed your certificate of completion:

Module 1 – Introduction to Reading Schools self-assessment

When you are ready, you can commence our second e-learning module Gathering and submitting your evidence, as you prepare your Reading Schools evidence plan for submission. This is a similar, short self-directed learning page to support your journey to accreditation and help you prepare your evidence for submission.

Introduction to Reading Schools checklist and note sheet