Reading
Reading at BHA 2021-22.
Current situation;
- Reading for pleasure is embedded at BHA as a key value.
- Library is open every lunch time for pupils to visit and borrow books;
- Reading area developed in the foyer for students who need quiet time;
- Pupils’ reading ages are assessed on entry in Y6 and annually throughout their time at BHA;
- Lowest % of pupils with Literacy difficulties and low reading ages follow a bespoke Phonics Reading Programme ‘Fresh Start’ throughout Y6 delivered by trained TAs;
- Development of reading skills throughout subject areas, especially with a focus on vocabulary and reading to learn;
- Y8 Reading Buddies work with Y6s who need help and support. This takes place in the library twice a week during the end of the day form time;
- Tutor Reading Programme;
- Adults listen to identified pupils read during end of the day form time;
- English department deliver CPD on reading strategies to whole staff.
How do we inspire pupils to read?
- Booklists for each year group;
- Tutor Reading Programme in Y6 and Y7 and Y8 form times;
- Vibrant library which is manned at lunch times;
- Pupil librarians;
- Y7 BookBuzz to encourage a culture of reading;
- Use of published authors talking about the writing process .e.g. Tom Palmer;
- Summer Reading Passport to all year groups and new intake;
- Book Fairs during set weeks and with an evening for parents to be able attend;
- World Book Day events;
- National Poetry Day Events;
- Staff bookshelf for sharing readers;
- Teachers share their current reading with classes;
- Relentless enthusiasm for reading;
- Reading Newsletter twice a half term.
How do we encourage pupils to read?
- Use of ‘live lessons’ with published authors talking about their writing;
- Busy-brained reading during each English lesson;
- Teachers listen to children read;
- Reading related home learning once a fortnight;
- Vocabulary related homework once per fortnight;
- Expectation that all pupils read at home every night and to someone at least 3 times a week – Planner;
- Reading Journal/scrapbook work in English;
- Whole school approach – every pupil must have a book with them at all times;
- Reading Buddy Programme Y6;
- Designated reading lessons in English.
How do we identify reading barriers?
· NGRT test all Y6 pupils on entry in September;
· WRAT test all pupils;
· Implement reading interventions: Reading Programme with adult volunteers; - Reading Buddy Programme twice a week; Tutor Reading Programme- CPD for whole staff re: reading; - Support for subject teachers – barriers explained, support provided;
Next Steps
· Use curriculum redesign to promote and embed reading for progress;
· Develop Tutor Reading Programme during form time in all years;
· Look to further develop reading provisions;
· Further develop staff engagement with reading for progress (CPD for teachers using academic reading/vocabulary) and reading for pleasure;
· Find ways to inspire all pupils to read;
· Termly prize for best library user. House points for tutor group who use the library most;
· Reading for pleasure sponsored event in Spring Term;
· Develop the outside literacy shed built by S Banks and turn form gardens into reading gardens;