ABSTRACT
It is difficult to underestimate the importance of literacy in schools. Poor literacy undoubtedly holds children back in every subject; not just English. It is also important to ensure that pupils understand that literacy is considered to be a high priority in every subject. Basic literacy has improved dramatically over the past few decades particularly at secondary level. Most secondary schools have literacy policies, and many have a dedicated literacy coordinator. The department’s feedback policy should include detailed procedures for correcting errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. In primary schools, all teachers are teachers of literacy, and pay close attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar across the curriculum; in secondary schools, too many teachers focus exclusively on their specialist areas and regard literacy as the responsibility of the English department. In many ways, because of the attention given to spelling, punctuation and grammar in primary schools, literacy levels are higher than they have ever been before.
