At Cotham School, we recognise the importance of students having secure foundational skills in reading, writing and numeracy in order to fully access the secondary curriculum and achieve their potential. While many students join us with these skills secured, some do not and as a result, we have a series of intervention strands available to ensure that students close any gaps in their learning.

Students who have not yet met age-related expectations may be highlighted by their previous school, a subject teacher, parent/carer or even the student themselves. We make an assessment of the student’s needs by talking to staff, parents, the student and, if appropriate, using a variety of tests.

Throughout their time at Cotham School, students’ reading, writing and numeracy skills are regularly assessed. All students new to Cotham (Y7 as well as in-year admissions) will have baseline assessments in these areas, and this also includes EAL assessments where relevant.

Reading Intervention (Y7-11)

If students are identified as having a gap in their reading skills and are below age-related expectations, we offer a range of interventions including:

• Phonics instruction (more information here)

• Fluency intervention

• Inference intervention

• Reading Buddies

• Lexia (more information here)

Interventions are delivered by specialist HLTAs in small groups, and students are assessed throughout the short modules to track and monitor their progress. Classroom teachers and parents are informed about students’ progress and offered advice as to how best to support students’ reading in class and at home.

Writing Intervention (Y7-11)

If students are identified as having a gap in their writing skills, and are below age-related expectations, we offer a range of interventions including:

• Mechanics: handwriting

• Spelling

• Grammar and sentence construction

• Cohesion and disciplinary writing

Interventions are delivered by our specialist HLTA in small groups, and students are assessed throughout the short modules to track and monitor their progress. Classroom teachers and parents are informed about students’ progress and offered advice as to how best to support students’ writing in class and at home.

Numeracy Intervention (Y7-11)

All Year 7 students, and students new to the school, are assessed during Term 1 through SATS-style testing and CATS. Results are used to set students by ability and identify those needing additional support.

Students significantly below age-related expectations receive further assessment, smaller mathematics classes and may receive targeted support from an HLTA, including weekly after-school sessions and additional home study. Parents are contacted and given advice to support learning at home. Some students may also receive additional numeracy intervention during other lessons.

Progress is regularly monitored, with support continuing until students make significant progress towards catching up with their peers.

EAL Intervention (Y7-11)

Please see our EAL page for more information about the interventions and support offered for students who have English as an Additional Language.