Teaching and Learning

Teaching Expectations

Intent

Our intent behind having a whole school reading strategy is to promote and improve reading skills and overall literacy among our students. Our approach emphasises the importance of reading as a fundamental skill that is essential for success in all areas of learning. By implementing a consistent and comprehensive reading strategy throughout the school, we are aiming to create a culture of literacy and provide students with the tools and resources they need to become confident and proficient readers. This can lead to improved academic performance, increased engagement in learning, and greater opportunities for success in life.

Implementation 

1. A phonics first approach to the teaching of reading - focus on teaching the relationship between sounds and letters, which can improve reading accuracy and comprehension. In order to help students, decode unfamiliar words and develop their spelling skills.

2. Strategies to develop language capability – focus on improving students communication skills and ability to express ideas and themselves.

3. Strategies to improve fluency and comprehension  – focus on improving confidence and enjoyment.

4. Reciprocal reading – building into our teaching time for students to take turns in leading discussions about what they are reading, summarising, clarifying predicting and questioning  - 

5. The study of a diverse range of texts – focus on the improvement of comprehension, vocabulary skills and the fostering of cultural awareness. 

6. Dedicated time for whole class and individual reading – incorporation of this practice into our daily routines to encourage a love for reading and to help build comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. 

7. A wide range of interventions for those who require additional support – one-to-one instruction, small group, intensive phonics instruction, sight word instruction, repeated reading, and the use of assistive technology.

8. Delivering a curriculum which is rich in vocabulary development – explicit instruction, a range of texts and opportunities for practice.