Fast Forward

by Sue Hackman

Published 23 January 2001
Fast Forward: Level 4 to Level 5 is a 10-unit programme of activities specifically designed to match Literacy Framework objectives by consolidating literacy skills learned at Level 4 and springboarding the development of literacy skills vital to Level 5 achievement. The emphasis is on having fun while learning, with short, engaging activity strands which run through each unit, providing purposeful games and challenges. Within each unit there are six strands organised into 20-25 minute slots. These are ideal for implementing the programme in both primary and secondary schools as either part of the Literacy Hour group time, homework slots or extra provision time in Key Stage 3. The programme is flexible enough for teachers to follow the units or individual strands, depending on the needs of the pupil. The six strands are Word Level, The Art of the Writer, Writing Skills, Writing Style, Reading Skills and Non-Fiction. Together, these provide a boost to pupils' skills in spelling, vocabulary, writing and reading, and help to accelerate pupils from Level 4 attainment to Level 5.
Fast Forward: Level 4 to Level 5 can be used as a follow-up course to the sister text, Fast Forward, which focuses on developing the literacy skills of Level 3 pupils up to Level 4. Sue Hackman is a Key Stage 3 Literacy Pilot Director for the National Literacy Strategy. She has carefully mapped Level 4 requirements of the National Curriculum onto Level 5 requirements and defined the essential differences. In each of the ten units of the Fast Forward: Level 4 to Level 5 course, pupils' knowledge and level of attainment will be progressively boosted up towards Level 5. Sue has worked with a team of Literacy Consultants, English Advisors and Heads of English to ensure that Fast Forward: Level 4 to Level 5 is an interactive and fun learning experience which will help to raise standards of achievement in literacy.