I only started reading at 17, and it completely changed my outlook and mentality… I just wish I was offered the opportunity to really engage with reading more as a child, but books were never a thing we could budget for as a family when we needed to put food on the table.
Marcus Rashford
At Studley High School, everyone has the chance to read and we believe reading is the gateway to successful learning.
Whole School Reading
Twice a week, during tutor time, pupils are reading a novel or a play. As well as reading, these sessions look at key vocabulary within the novel and questions are asked as part of a discussion of the story. The novels that are being read are:
Year 7: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Year 8: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Year 9: DNA by Dennis Kelly
Year 10: Short Story Anthology
For year 11, pupils have the opportunity to complete a bespoke programme of activities based on reading skills needed for their English Language GSCE.
Furthermore, we have a primary reading specialist who supports students who need it in small groups. We have found great success in our specialist reading programme, we believe in investing in reading at the earliest level to ensure all students can fully access their curriculum.
Reading and English
In English, reading is actively encouraged to promote and accelerate learning in all areas. Our Key Stage 3 programme has dedicated reading time. A typical KS3 lesson will open with an engaging activity designed to foster and celebrate pupils’ love of reading, whilst enhancing their comprehension, vocabulary, and literacy skills. The reading we offer at KS3 reflects the ever-changing world our pupils grow up in. Weekly homework also includes dedicated time to reading. The EEF suggests the average impact of reading comprehension strategies adds up to six months’ progress over the course of a year.
We want all our pupils to develop the habit of reading independently and this is where parents/guardians can support. At KS3 there is a dedicated homework, once a week, for reading. Pupils are encouraged to read aloud to someone and write a short summary of what has happened in their book. Helping pupils to develop a love of reading is the best way of helping them do well at school.
Competitions
Throughout the year, there are reading competitions. This could be as part of our celebration of World Book Day or various other activities such as reading competitions during the holidays.
What is new?
This year we are working with Sparx Reader, this is something that Studley High School students have been using for maths homework with great success. We are looking forward to utilising this new software to underpin our reading strategy. We have also launched our interhouse reading competition with our token meter on display on the main corridor.
Reading and our library
Our library is an integral part of our school, and we are always trying to improve the facilities we can offer to pupils. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Librarian who supports our pupils in finding texts that meet their interests. We are hoping, therefore, that every child will have the opportunity to visit the library in the Autumn and Spring terms. We are also encouraging pupils to write reviews of the books they borrow from the library. We listen to pupils’ requests for the type of books they want to see in the library and where possible, try to meet these needs.