Literacy is at the heart of all we do here at St Damian’s. In essence, being literate is arguably the most important aspect of learning. Literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning, as it unlocks access to the wider curriculum. Being literate increases opportunities for the individual in all aspects of life, it lays the foundations for lifelong learning and work. Literacy is important because we know it has the power to improve and enhance lives professionally, economically, personally and spiritually.

In short, with deliberate vocabulary instruction. All teachers will focus learning on the difficult words that pupils are likely to encounter in their lessons. To do that, staff members will look at the etymology of words and morphology of words:

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Etymology – this means the study of the origins of words and the ways in which their meanings have changed throughout history.

For example, the word levitate come from the Latin phrase ‘to rise by virtue of lightness’. Levis means light and the English translation is gravitate – when combined it becomes levitate – to float.

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Morphology – this means the study of the component parts of a word.

For example, it’s root, it’s prefix, it’s suffix. For example, the root word 'bio' – means life and the root 'ology' means the study of. So, biology means the study of life.

Our library is instrumental in promoting a love of books throughout school. Our library boasts a well-stocked and inclusive collection that caters to the diverse interests and reading levels of our students. We are committed to ensuring representation across all genres, cultures, and identities, providing a truly enriching and accessible reading experience. From classic literature to contemporary fiction, graphic novels to non-fiction resources, our collection is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our students and curriculum. We are proud to state that our borrowing numbers have doubled from this time last year – every year group is making good use of our library.

The library is not just a separate entity; it is an integral part of the school’s educational fabric. We collaborate closely with teachers to support curriculum delivery, provide research resources, and promote information literacy. The library is a hub for learning, creativity, and community, where students can explore their interests, develop their skills, and connect with others

Our dedicated team of pupil librarians play a vital role in the smooth running of the library. They assist with shelving, recommending books, organising and supporting events, and providing peer support, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Their passion and enthusiasm are infectious, inspiring their peers to engage with the library and often finding the time to read themselves.