Every year on 8th September, the world comes together to celebrate International Literacy Day. Literacy means more than simply being able to read and write, it is about communicating ideas, solving problems, and accessing opportunities. Around the globe, literacy is recognised as a basic human right, giving people the power to learn, work, and participate fully in society. 

For students at Basildon Upper Academy, literacy is not just important in English lessons. Whether analysing data in Science, writing up findings in History, or presenting ideas in Business, strong literacy skills are the key to success across all subjects. Reading widely also improves vocabulary, boosts imagination, and builds confidence in speaking and writing. 

Parents and carers can play an important role in supporting literacy at home. A few simple ideas include: 

• Encouraging your child to talk about what they have read or learned in lessons. 
• Reading together - even if just sharing a news article, recipe, or online blog. 
• Asking questions that get them to explain or summarise in their own words. 
• Making space and time for reading each day. 

By working together as a school and home community, we can ensure our young people develop the literacy skills that will support them not only in exams, but in life beyond the classroom. 

Thank you for continuing to support literacy at home and helping us to build confident, curious readers and writers. 

S.Harris 
KS4 English Lead & KS4/5 Literacy Lead