Dyslexia Friendly Schools

As a school, we work hard to raise awareness and celebrate all the things that we already do well to support our dyslexic learners. As we work towards our Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark, we will look to find new resources and initiatives to make our provision even better. We aim to gain our Quality Mark and become recognised as a ‘Dyslexia Friendly School’ by the summer of 2024.

What is Dyslexia?

The British Dyslexia Associstion (BDA) describes Dyslexia as 'a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills' (BDA, 2021). 

How do we support dyslexic pupils at Powell's?

At Powell's, a number of resources and strategies are adopted to use on a daily basis to ensure our dyslexic pupils, and those with literacy difficulties, can access a broad and balanced curriculum and reach their full learning potential. As noted by the BDA, 'it is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields' (BDA, 2021).  Below are some of the key strategies and resources we use with our dyslexic pupils. 

• Providing resources on recycled 'off-white' or coloured paper
• Using a clear and large font for printed resources
• Changing the background colour when using a whiteboard or computer screen
• Using multisensory ways of teaching
• Allowing additional 'thinking' time
• Breaking information up into smaller 'chunks'
• Scaffolded work to reduce cognitive load
• Key vocabulary and visual aids provided
• Adapted expectations on volume of work produced
• Providing access to assistive technology such as a computer for pupils who find it difficult to write quickly enough in class
• Our learning environments are carefully considered in the with the Dyslexia Friendly Schools guide

What is Dyslexia?British Dyslexia Association Guide for Parents

See dyslexia differently - watch the following video

Choosing children’s books for reluctant readers and readers with dyslexia

The Barrington Stoke website give recommendations for dyslexic and reluctant readers:

Barrington Stoke

Hear from some of the world's most successful dyslexics including Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Chris Robshaw, and Maggie Aderin-Pocock about dyslexic strengths and thinking skills so you can really understand what dyslexia is and why we should celebrate it.

Mnemonic posters for spelling

Mnemonics are used to help children to remember tricky spellings. Here are some examples: