RAPS is Kent’s only associate school working with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education and it delivers its English curriculum through the charity’s flagship Power of Reading approach.

Since it joined the initiative two years ago exposure to carefully chosen, high-quality children’s literature has enabled pupils to explore these texts in depth, develop a genuine love of reading, deepen their understanding and inspire them to produce thoughtful, purposeful writing of their own.

Claire O’Flaherty is RAPS’ English lead. She explained how the learning initiative is developing successfully: “Children have become immersed in each book through lively discussion, drama, role-play, illustration and creative response.

“These experiences encourage them to make predictions, explore characters’ thoughts and feelings, discover new vocabulary and think deeply about important themes.

“Each series of lessons includes carefully planned, purposeful opportunities for children to build on their exploration of the text and apply their learning across a rich variety of writing outcomes.

“It is wonderful to see their ideas, confidence and creativity grow as they begin to see themselves as successful readers and writers.

“Over the last few years, we have continued to build on the strong practice already in place to shape our curriculum around the needs of our children.

“Our teachers receive specialist training from CLPE, helping them to create imaginative teaching sequences that really capture children’s interest.

“We are incredibly proud of the difference the curriculum we have created has made for our children.”

Through the carefully-chosen books and thoughtful teaching, children are more enthusiastic and engaged, make strong progress, and produce increasingly confident and ambitious writing.

Their enjoyment of reading and English lessons continues to grow, while writing outcomes have improved across the school.

Miss O’Flaherty also co-facilitates some training alongside the CLPE teaching team. This gives RAPS further opportunities to share and showcase their practice and its positive impact on children’s language, reading and writing.

CLPE also conducts research into all areas of primary literacy, using the findings to inform practice and contribute to national and international perspectives on literacy.

It says: “We want to improve the life chances of children by ensuring that every child has access to quality experiences of literacy and that all teachers have the knowledge and resources to support children to become confident, happy and enthusiastic readers and writers, with all the benefits this brings.”

*CLPE was founded in 1972 as The Centre for Language in Primary Education and became an independent charity in 2002, changing its name to The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education. During its lifetime the award-winning independent charity has built a national and international reputation for its work in the fields of language, literacy and assessment.

To find out more go online to www.clpe.org.uk

Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.

*For more information, contact Head Teacher Nick Budge on 01843 582847