Reading
Intent
We view reading as essential for understanding the world, cultivating cultural awareness, and developing the vocabulary required for effective communication. Our reading curriculum is designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading by motivating pupils to read frequently and widely, engage in thoughtful discussions, and develop self-regulation strategies. This is achieved through a blend of synthetic phonics (Little Wandle - Letters & Sounds), whole-class instruction following Talk for Reading principles, home reading initiatives, and independent reading opportunities. We provide additional interventions to support those who need help in meeting age-related expectations.
We recognize the powerful link between reading pleasure and academic success. Motivating children to read at home is a key focus, as it supports fluency, stamina, and enjoyment. Reading not only enhances cognitive skills but also promotes mental wellbeing and fosters a vibrant community of engaged readers. Reading permeates our entire curriculum, offering dedicated lessons and cross-curricular opportunities to integrate reading across all subjects.
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum guidelines and aligns with our five curriculum pillars, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to reading.
Aspiring for Excellence
Reading is a foundational skill, integral to all learning. We are committed to ensuring that each child becomes a skilled, passionate reader. Our curriculum encourages pupils to explore a range of texts from picture books in the early years to complex novels in later stages developing a love for reading that will fuel excellence across all areas of learning. By fostering fluency, comprehension, and a sense of purpose in their reading, we ensure that pupils achieve excellence in reading by the end of their primary education, enabling them to apply their skills confidently in all contexts.
Enriching Language and Communication
Reading is a key driver in enhancing pupils' vocabulary and communication skills. We expose children to a wide variety of texts ranging from picture books to novels stimulating discussion and supporting language development. Our curriculum emphasizes vocabulary within texts, teaching pupils to engage with new words, understand their meanings, and incorporate them into daily communication. Vocabulary displayed in classrooms reinforces learning and aids in cross-curricular application, empowering pupils to express themselves confidently both orally and in writing.
Cultivating a Strong Community
We understand the vital role of community in shaping a child’s reading journey. By fostering strong partnerships between home and school, we ensure that reading is a shared experience. Parents and carers are integral in supporting their child’s development, and we provide guidance on how they can actively engage in reading at home. We closely monitor home reading and celebrate achievements within the school, encouraging pupils to discuss their reading experiences and successes, thus building a supportive, collaborative community of readers.
Broadening Horizons
Our reading curriculum is designed to expand pupils’ horizons, promoting diversity and inclusion. We feature texts that reflect a variety of cultures, traditions, and beliefs, offering pupils the opportunity to explore different perspectives. Through these texts, we encourage thoughtful discussions that challenge thinking and promote empathy, respect, and understanding. This approach helps pupils develop a broad, inclusive mindset and fosters an appreciation for global diversity.
Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation
Reading is central to building a knowledge-rich foundation for all pupils. Our curriculum introduces children to a wide range of genres and themes, linking their reading to broader learning across the curriculum. Carefully selected texts deepen pupils' understanding of various topics, building their knowledge and providing context for their future academic success. We ensure all pupils have the skills to decode, comprehend, and enjoy texts, establishing a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Implementation
Phonics instruction begins in Reception using Little Wandle - Letters & Sounds, equipping pupils with the essential decoding skills needed for reading. In Year 2, phonics continues with whole-class lessons and books that are tailored to pupils' phonics levels. In addition to phonics, we expose pupils to a diverse range of texts through whole-class lessons, daily story time, and independent reading, fostering an engaging and dynamic learning environment. This approach ensures pupils develop both the technical skills and the enjoyment of reading that will serve them well across the curriculum.
Accelerated Reader
In KS2, and for fluent readers in Year 2 during the summer term, we implement the Accelerated Reader programme to support reading development and foster a love of literature. Children complete the Star Reader test multiple times a year to identify their reading range (ZPD) and select appropriate books from a well-organised library. Regular reading at home is encouraged, and comprehension quizzes are administered to monitor progress and provide timely support.
Talk for Reading
We employ the Talk for Reading approach in whole-class lessons, helping children become efficient, thoughtful, and strategic readers. Texts are carefully selected to promote critical thinking and discussion.
Whole-class reading lessons are structured in three phases:
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Introduction Phase: Establishes basic understanding of the text through multiple readings and vocabulary exploration.
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Investigation Phase: Deepens comprehension by exploring the text’s core purpose, using response activities to build connections between readers and texts.
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Independent Understanding Phase: Children demonstrate understanding independently through writing or comprehension activities.
Impact
Through systematic phonics instruction, we aim for children to become fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1. With a focus on decoding, pupils will confidently tackle unfamiliar words in new texts. As they progress, children will develop fluency and comprehension, accessing a diverse range of texts independently.
Reading attainment is measured through statutory assessments at EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, alongside ongoing assessments such as phonics screenings and teacher evaluations.
Ultimately, we believe that reading unlocks all learning opportunities. Our goal is to inspire pupils with a love of literature, enabling them to explore new worlds and cultures through reading. We want reading to be a golden thread throughout their educational journey, equipping them with the skills and passion for future learning.