Midlothian project: The fish in room 11

The Midlothian literacy project focused on close reading and inferential comprehension. The project aimed to devise strategies to support the teaching of reading at levels B and C, embedding formative assessment, as part of a Midlothian initiative to raise attainment.

The project involved 34 primary schools, a special school and a unit supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The development of ICT resources was an integral part of the project and of its success. Putting the novel onto an audio CD and a CD-ROM allowed children of all abilities to access it.

The officer leading the project set up a multi-agency group for initial consultation. A smaller focus group was then established with its main task being to identify a key text and to develop a series of differentiated literacy activities for class teachers.

The novel ‘The Fish in Room 11’ by Heather Dyer was chosen to provide teachers with a range of reading opportunities that would engage children and teachers enthusiastically in purposeful reading activities.

 PDF file: Classroom activities to accompany 'The Fish in Room 11'

A key success of the project was the enthusiasm generated by teachers and pupils. Teachers benefited from coming together to share practice and schools were paired to enable links to be formed, using email and visits. 

The strategies provided can be used with other novels, and have been instrumental in developing teachers’ confidence in embedding formative assessment strategies.