INNOVATION IN READING

 

Reading provision at Langney Primary Academy is a result of curriculum experimentation and continuous reflection. Over time an innovative approach to whole-class teaching of Reading Comprehension has been developed and as a result of carefully staged change, it is consistently embedded. 

BEING A CENTRE OF READING EXCELLENCE

 

Bespoke to Langney Primary Academy, lessons place emphasis on whole-class collaborative reading strategies, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension as well as skimming and scanning techniques.

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Technology assisted strategies support learning in Reading.   ‘Bug Club’ is the whole-school reading programme that ensures a progressive home / school online reading world.  To support reading for pleasure ‘Reading Pro,’ an online tool which combines assessment and reading motivation, is used.  Being computer-adaptive, this reading management programme generates a personalised Lexiled book list, or ebook list, based on pupils’ interests, reading comprehension level and chronological age. Investment in technology assisted interventions, such as Lexia, are also used.

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In addition, the Reading curriculum places emphasis on attaining high standards and achieving good progress from individual pupils’ starting points.  The Primary National Curriculum is used to ensure a clear progression of reading skills and end of year expectations; placing emphasis on developing competence in the word reading and comprehension dimensions of Reading.   Sound teacher subject knowledge promotes depth of learning through effective and regular continuing professional development.

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A systematic approach to the teaching of phonics through the high quality ‘Letters and Sounds’ phonics  programme is emphasised in the early teaching of reading to develop decoding and speedy word recognition.
 

TALENT DISCOVERY OF PUPILS IN READING

 

Enrichment activities target talented pupils e.g. authors workshops with published authors. Talented readers are identified  and given the opportunity to showcase their skills and flair for reading aloud in front of an audience during special assemblies and events.  Highly attaining Upper Key Stage 2 pupils are identified as part of the ambitious Swale Scholars Programme, which provides bridging activities to Key Stage 3 in analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts as well as spoken language tasks.

A BALANCE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE AND ENJOYMENT IN READING

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There is strong evidence linking Reading for Pleasure and educational outcomes.  At Langney Primary Academy we know that academic attainment is of vital importance, but are equally aware that the benefits of reading for pleasure go beyond this and stretch throughout a person’s life.

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The Reading curriculum at Langney Primary Academy therefore places emphasis on both fostering an enjoyment for reading as well as achieving high standards as measured by end of key stage national assessments.

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To promote lifelong love of reading and literacy learning, careful selection of high quality children’s literature is at the heart of the school’s curriculum design.  Sustained study texts, often externally recommended, are reviewed annually and form the basis for cross-curricular learning across subjects in each year group (Nursery to Year 6).  High quality texts with depth and interest in story, character, illustration, vocabulary, structure and subject matter are used. Books that children will want to re-read and savour are chosen and can take many forms - poetry, picture books, information books, chapter books, modern stories or famous classics.

RAISING ASPIRATIONS & LIFE CHANCES IN READING

 

The quality of a child’s early reading experiences is vital for their future success.  The school is fully aware of its role in ensuring high-quality early education in Reading.  Right from Nursery age, emphasis is placed on enriching our pupils’ language and communication environment.  This continues throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 where emphasis is placed on the development of vocabulary and the adventurous and exciting choices that the pupils are challenged to use. 

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Langney Primary Academy places importance in having a range of quality children’s literature independently accessible to children at all ages and levels.  In addition, teachers have available reading material that they plan to enable children to engage with the texts on a meaningful level. 

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Ultimately, with the fact that good reading skills are central to accessing all curriculum areas, Langney believes that high quality teaching of reading is core to enabling pupils to confidently tackle their learning in every field and is thus a key contributor to raising aspirations and lifelong career potential. 

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At Langney Primary Academy, space is made in the standards agenda to ensure inclusive practice. 
 

HEALTH & WELLBEING LINKS TO READING

 

We want pupils to read fluently and confidently in order for them to develop emotionally, intellectually, culturally, socially and spiritually.  Reading enables our children to build their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. All of these skills are essential in helping our pupils to participate fully in society.  Engaging with a variety of texts can help a child to self soothe or escape by identifying with characters and situations  or by connecting with a particular emotion conveyed.  This can be crucial for good mental health.  The ability to disseminate factual information for oneself is also important as one passes through life’s journey of growth, particularly through adolescence.