Previous theme: Boys and literacy
The gender gap is ever present and with a new Ofsted framework which continues to examine “how well gaps are narrowing between the performance of different groups of pupils in the school and compared to all pupils nationally”, the question of how schools are addressing the needs of boys and closing that gap continues to be a focus both on the ground in school and for researchers and policy-makers alike.
During this theme we explored the common ingredients of success with boys and literacy and shared practice and expertise from those schools and professionals who have managed to address the so-called gender agenda.
Resources
Books for Boys
The best titles to hook in your reluctant male readers, as recommended by National Literacy Trust Network members. View.
Boys' literacy: Self reflection tool
A tool designed to help practitioners reflect on their boys' literacy strategies and teaching techniques. View.
Lights, camera, action: resources from FILMCLUB
Guides for writing effective film reviews, for both secondary and primary pupils. View.
A toolkit: If shops have men's departments, why not libraries?
Rosalind Buckland, librarian at Ripley St Thomas CE Academy in Lancaster presents her research on developing a boy specific area in the library. View.
Boy meets world: Addressing the gender gap
A visual map which draws together a wide array of research to highlight the strategies that have been shown to be most successful in developing boys' learning. View.
Blogs
Boys, boys, boys...an introduction to our boys and literacy network theme
Network adviser Judy Clark introduces the policy and research context behind our boys and literacy theme. Read article.
School film clubs boosting boys' literacy
Beatrix Moran from the education charity FILMCLUB gives members an insight into the power of film in engaging and supporting boys in literacy. Read article.
Interactive fiction...uncovered
Kristian Still, Assistant Head at Hamble Community Sports College, introduces the world of Interactive Fiction and explains how this perfect blend of gaming and storytelling and has the power to engage your X-Box aficionados. Read article.
Research and policy
Our top five research reports on boys' literacy
An overview of research into boys' literacy with links to five of the best (in our opinion!). Read article.
Webinars
Using technology to inspire boys
Bev Humphrey, literacy, school libraries and technology consultant, led a session in which attendees found out how to tap into boys’ passion for technology to get them caught up in a story. Watch recording
Success with boys in English
St Paul's Academy is a secondary school in South East London that has been showcased by Ofsted as excelling when it comes to boys’ literacy. Assistant Principal and Subject Leader for English, Emily Tudor, will present their approach and take questions from network members. Watch recording
