Goffs School Principal: Alison J Garner Goffs Lane Email: admin@goffs.herts.sch.uk Cheshunt Website: www.goffs.herts.sch.

uk Hertfordshire T: 01992 424200 EN7 5QW RESPECT CONFIDENCE ACHIEVEMENT : @goffs_school

May 2013

Dear Parent / Carer, Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential. (Kofi Annan) At Goffs School, we are working hard to promote our students Literacy and ensure they all achieve to the very best of their ability. Literacy is fundamental to every academic subject. Consequently, we believe that all teachers, parents and students have a role to play in supporting and developing students literacy skills. Our aim, therefore, is to ensure students can communicate effectively in todays highly judgemental and competitive society. The Shocking National Facts and Statistics: Almost half (43 per cent) of all 11-year olds cannot read, write and add up properly when they leave primary school. Fewer than half of 8 to 16 year olds have read a book in the last month. 49 per cent of children and young adults think that reading is boring. Children who enjoy reading very much are five times more likely to be above average readers. 22 per cent of children report that no one at home encourages them to read. One child in every three does not own a book. 62 per cent of boys do not enjoy writing and pupils at Key Stage 4 are the least likely to enjoy writing. Pupils on free school meals have much less confidence in their writing ability. Research shows that the average length of a students contribution to a class discussion is four words. By the age of four, a child with professional parents will have been exposed to 50 million words (of speech and writing) compared to 12 million words for a four year old child from a disadvantaged background.

We all owe it to our children to give them the very best Literacy skills, in order to improve their life chances and to enable them to succeed in whatever path they choose. As a result, we are dedicating time and acquiring resources to support your childs Literacy development in all subjects. We fervently encourage you to devote some time to this at home as well, if it is at all possible.

Goffs School Principal: Alison J Garner Goffs Lane Email: admin@goffs.herts.sch.uk Cheshunt Website: www.goffs.herts.sch.uk Hertfordshire T: 01992 424200 EN7 5QW RESPECT CONFIDENCE ACHIEVEMENT : @goffs_school

On the pages found on this link http://www.goffs.herts.sch.uk/goffsm4/literacy.php you will find a selection of resources and information that will help you to help your child. Kind regards, Goffs Literacy Team