Reading

Reading - our intent

At Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School, our reading curriculum is designed to ignite a lifelong love of reading in our pupils. We aim to expose students to a rich and diverse range of texts, cultivating not only their comprehension and vocabulary skills but also their ability to think critically and empathetically. Our approach ensures that all pupils, regardless of their starting point, have access to high-quality literature that challenges and inspires them. Through whole-class reading sessions and targeted interventions, we equip our students with the skills needed to explore and understand the world around them, fostering confident, articulate, and reflective readers.

Reading - our implementation

We believe that reading is the cornerstone of a successful education and a lifelong love of learning. Our reading program is designed to develop confident, competent, and enthusiastic readers. With a tailored approach that meets the needs of each student, we aim to foster a positive reading culture throughout our school community.

Our Approach to Reading:

1. Daily Reading Sessions:

   • We embed dedicated time for reading in our daily timetable. Each day, pupils participate in a storytime, poetry or singing session, and in the younger classes, phonics lessons to strengthen their reading skills.

2. Systematic Phonics Instruction:

   • We follow a comprehensive phonics program (Little Wandle) that helps students grasp the fundamentals of reading. Adults are trained to deliver phonics sessions effectively, ensuring all students build a solid foundation.

3. Reading for Pleasure:

   • Our new library is stocked with a diverse range of books, encouraging students to explore different genres and authors. We promote reading for pleasure through book swaps, reading challenges, and special events.

4. Support for All Learners:

   • We provide additional support for pupils who require extra practice and guidance. Our reading interventions are designed to help every child progress at their own pace.

5. Parental Involvement:

   • We believe that parents play a crucial role in their child's reading journey. We offer workshops and resources to help parents support reading at home.

By fostering a rich reading environment, we aim to inspire our students to become lifelong readers. We invite you to explore our reading program and see how we nurture a love of reading in every child.

Reading - our impact

Impact on Our Pupils:

1. Enhanced Literacy Skills: Through our structured and well-thought-out reading program, pupils develop strong literacy skills, which form the foundation for all other learning.

2. Improved Comprehension: By engaging with high-quality and challenging texts, students enhance their comprehension abilities, allowing them to better understand and interpret various forms of literature.

3. Increased Confidence: Our approach encourages pupils to participate in discussions and activities that bolster their speaking and listening skills, leading to increased confidence in their abilities.

4. Broadened Horizons: Exposure to diverse texts not only improves reading skills but also broadens pupils' understanding of the world, fostering empathy and cultural awareness.

5. Preparation for Future Learning: The skills acquired through our reading program prepare our pupils for future academic challenges, including statutory assessments, by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

Our reading intent aligns with our school's vision and educational philosophy, ensuring that every pupil leaves us not only as a competent reader but as a lifelong learner with a passion for literature.