INTENT

We recognise that learning to read is one of the most important things that children can learn in school as it is fundamental to accessing all areas of learning and functioning in today’s society. Therefore, reading is given a high priority at Heatherside Junior School, enabling the children to become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers. By the time children reach the end of Year 6 we want them to read fluently and with confidence across all genres so that they are fully prepared to successfully deal with the challenges presented at the next stage in their education. We aim for all children to be able to make links between the texts they have read and to be aware that reading extends beyond a book. Our belief is that children should be encouraged to develop their own opinions, which will help develop a love of reading and a thirst to read more. 

 

IMPLEMENTATION

Reading at Heatherside Junior School is carefully planned to achieve the objectives in the national curriculum and teach the children the skills they need to be successful readers, focusing on the reading domains:

• Use a range of strategies, including accurate decoding of text, to read for meaning. 
• Understand, describe, select or retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to text. 
• Deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from texts. 
• Identify and comment on the structure and organisation of texts, including grammatical and presentational features at text level. 
• Explain and comment on writers’ use of language, including grammatical and literary features at word and sentence level. 
• Identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader. 
• Understand and discuss themes and genres within and across texts. 

Focused reading objectives are taught through English lessons, guided groups and whole class Guided Reading lessons. Children have the opportunity to study in detail a range of books and genres, including author studies and non-fictional studies. As children progress through the school the complexity and length of the high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts used increases as does the expectations of the children’s ability to use the reading domains. The books and texts are carefully chosen to link with other areas of the curriculum, where appropriate, and build on prior learning and skills. Carefully constructed Let’s Think in English lessons provide opportunity for discussion and ‘deep thinking’ to develop higher order reading skills.

Ongoing teacher assessment monitors individual progress and attainment and twice a year, standardised NFER reading tests are used to support validation of teacher assessment, identify any further support needed for children and inform planning for the subsequent year.

Every child coming into the school is assessed to determine their reading level. Pupils who need to be read with more frequently or require intervention are identified through further assessments and appropriate support given. Children who are still acquiring their phonics knowledge (up to and including level 5) are provided with a phonetically decodable reading book- see ‘Phonics at Heatherside Junior School’ for further information.  When confident with their phonics, children follow the coloured book bands in order to give them a range of text types at a suitable pitch which they can read independently.  The colour-band book selection is ample and has been updated with a range of high-quality texts to suit all readers. The selection covers a diverse spread of topics, both fiction and non- fiction, thus ensuring our commitment to inclusion and representation.

 

We are fortunate enough to have a very well-stocked library which provides an excellent facility for children to develop their enjoyment of reading and is at the heart of our school.  Children are able to visit the library twice a week and our librarian guides pupils in finding suitable, enjoyable, challenging books to take home. Reading Champions in each class work closely with the School Librarian to promote reading in a variety of ways. Each year, a variety of enrichment activities occur which help support and develop pupils’ reading aloud and love of reading such as Author Visits and World Book Day.

 

IMPACT

We believe that reading is the key to all learning and that the impact of our reading curriculum goes beyond the results of statutory assessments.  As they move through the school, children develop their fluency and comprehension whilst accessing a range of texts, with support and independently. Our teacher assessments and standardised tests allow us to measure individual progress and attainment. Our pupil progress meetings allow us to identify and implement additional support for those that need it. The Reading Champions, Librarian, and Reading Lead will discuss current reading trends and interests whilst promoting pupil voice and choice.  When they leave us, we want children to possess the reading skills and love of literature which will help them enjoy and access any aspects of learning they encounter in the future.

 

These are the books which our Reading Champions chose for their Class Reading Corners!