Reading

At St John’s Catholic Primary School, we intend to create confident readers who have the ability to develop a deep and true understanding of what they read and appreciate the importance and value of reading for pleasure. We aim to foster and promote a love of reading, fluency, and a secure ability to comprehend information. It is important for us that children are able to comprehend at a high level rather than just sight read.

In our approach, we focus on encouraging reading both at home and in school, highlighting the importance of family engagement in fostering this love of reading. To inspire our pupils, a wide variety of texts from diverse genres are offered, ensuring that every child can connect with reading material that resonates with them. The curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum objectives and in KS2,  integrates the VIPERS skills through using Fred’s Teaching, to develop both decoding and comprehension abilities.

The reading program supports the broadening of pupils' horizons, exposing them to different perspectives, and helping them to build an appreciation for literature from various cultural contexts. Our selection of texts and resources is carefully planned to enrich the students’ learning experience while ensuring inclusivity and representation. By working with families and providing access to engaging materials, we aim to extend learning beyond the classroom.

At St John’s, we ensure that the National Curriculum is delivered through a structured progression of skills and knowledge that builds upon previous learning year after year. This sequence supports the development of reading competencies in a way that allows children to deepen their understanding gradually.

Our teaching method focuses on skills to practice Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explain, Retrieve, and Summarise. Through regular Guided Reading lessons, children engage in discussions and activities that challenge them to think critically about the texts they read.  Additionally, we take a text-based approach in both reading and writing lessons, allowing students to engage with various literary forms and ideas.

From Early Years and Key Stage 1, there is an emphasis on phonics using the Little Wandle scheme, which provides a foundation for reading development. The skills gained in early literacy are then consolidated and expanded as pupil’s progress through the school. In our daily phonics sessions, students practice and apply their knowledge in dynamic, interactive ways, reinforcing their skills.

Reading for pleasure is encouraged by providing students with access to a diverse range of texts, allowing them to choose materials that challenge and enrich their understanding. Throughout the school day, children engage with different reading activities, including independent reading, shared reading, and adult-led sessions. Weekly library visits further enhance their reading experience, promoting a culture of literacy within the school.

The teaching framework is reflective of contemporary best practices in literacy instruction, ensuring that students are equipped with both the technical skills and the motivation to read widely and deeply.

By the time children leave St John’s, they will have developed into enthusiastic, motivated readers who feel confident reading a variety of genres and text types. With the ability to decode words fluently and a strong grasp of comprehension skills, students are well-prepared to continue their academic journey with a love for literature.

In providing access to a wide range of reading experiences, we ensure that children can read for pleasure and develop the skills necessary to engage critically with texts. The curriculum nurtures not only technical literacy but also a deep appreciation for reading, encouraging students to explore and enjoy literature throughout their lives. This broad foundation in reading equips students with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally in the future.