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Reading

Please find information below about our Reading Curriculum. 

Intent

At Leafield Primary, we want to foster a lifelong love of reading by exposing our children to various, meaningful literature across all curriculum areas. We believe reading opens up a new world for children and gives them the opportunity to explore new ideas, visit new places, meet new characters and develop a better understanding of other cultures. Through building up children’s vocabulary, it gives them the word power they need to become successful speakers and writers as well as confident readers. Reading is a key life skill, and we strive to embed a culture of reading into the core of what we do. Providing opportunities for children to read both independently and aloud, as well as allowing them the chance to discuss and recommend books they have read to their peers, will ultimately shape competent readers. Reading and quality literature is implicitly interwoven into our curriculum through the use of key texts to expose our children to various genres and famous authors, in addition to enhancing the variety of exciting topics that we teach. 

Implementation

We will support all children to learn to read through clear leadership; consistent teaching and learning approaches; regular monitoring and assessment along with a joint commitment between school and home. Reading teachers, with support from the Reading Lead and Senior Leadership Team, draw upon careful observations and continuous assessment to ensure children are challenged and to identify children who may need additional support. Timely intervention is planned for those children working below expected levels as soon as their needs are identified. All children read aloud during phonics or whole class reading. In addition, some pupils may read at least once more per week with a teacher, teaching assistant or reading volunteer; the focus being on the lowest 20%. Furthermore, Pupil Premium children and those pupils not reading regularly at home, have additional opportunities to read aloud. 

Impact

The impact of reading success in our school is measured through the following:

  • Pupils will be able to decode and recognise enough sight words at the end of their Key Stage 1 programme of study to be able to confidently and fluently read a text at their level.
  • Pupils of all abilities will be able to succeed in all reading lessons.
  • Pupils will enjoy reading across a range of genres.
  • Once children have progressed through our chosen RWI programme, pupils will use a range of strategies for decoding words, not solely relying on phonics.
  • Pupils will have a good knowledge of a range of authors.
  • Pupils will be ready to read in any subject in their forthcoming secondary education.
  • Parents and carers will have a good understanding of how they can support reading at home, and contribute regularly to home-school records.
  • The % of pupils working at ARE within each year group will be at least in line with national averages.
  • The % of pupils working at Greater Depth within each year group will be at least in line with national averages.
  • There will be no significant gaps in the progress of different groups of pupils (e.g. disadvantaged vs non-disadvantaged).