Reading Support
Library
The library is the centre of learning within the academy as all subjects and year groups have access to it. Students can explore and borrow hundreds of current and interesting books. There are sections for fiction, non-fiction and The Millennium Library of Literature, which consists of classics texts such as Shakespeare and Jane Austen.
We have a KS3/4 weekly reading club in the library and a staff and student book club held half termly.
We hold a variety of literary competitions throughout the school year to encourage creativity and writing within our students. Some are linked to events such as World Book Day and Shakespeare Week whereas others link to a certain subject topic or inter-house competition.
Subject Specific Wider Reading List
Form Time Reading
Every year group has one form time per week dedicated to reading. Students can bring in books from home or borrow from the classroom book box/library. All year groups are encouraged to discuss what they are reading with one another and staff.
Year 7 form groups collectively read the same book during form time as a way to promote reading, oracy and understanding of character education. The chosen reads for the current school year are ‘Looking for the Stars’ by Lewis Hine, ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank and ‘Every Falling Star’ by Sungju Lee.
Bedrock Learning
Bedrock Learning/Vocabulary was designed to narrow the word gap and give all learners the language they need to thrive in school and beyond. All Year 7 students and targeted groups from Years 8-11 access Bedrock Learning during English lessons, form time and from home.
Lexonik
Through specific targeted instruction and fun exercises and activities, Lexonik teaching focuses on the structure of the English language at a range of age-appropriate levels, suitable for learners aged 11 and above, across a whole range of learning settings. – with the power point attached
Reading Support
Using data collected from the NGRT reading test, students have access to a peer reading scheme where they read to older readers with a higher reading age. This is to support their fluency and accuracy of reading. Not only does this encourage our struggling readers to read aloud, but it also encourages their peer to model reading and support to increase the development of valuable skills. It can also provide an opportunity for learners to share diverse perspectives.
KS3 students needing help with reading are identified through subject testing and lesson time observation. They are invited to attend reading support sessions/interventions during form and lesson time with the LSA team.
Year 11 students have additional English booster sessions to go over GCSE texts and poetry to ensure they are confident in the content before exams begins.
Students with SEND have targeted support using ‘Everyone Can Read’ and ‘Booster Reading’, this allows staff to measure progress and help improve reading ages.
