Library

Our library is a vibrant space for students to enrich their studies or quietly read for pleasure.  Our librarian is always on hand to suggest books they’d like to have and organises an annual book-buying trip to Foyles.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

All of our fiction books are colour coded according to reading ability.  Each term students receive bookmarks with their up to date reading level and book colours.  This allows students to choose books of exactly the right challenge to develop their reading.

There are many different types of books at each level from travel tales to epic sci-fi novels – there is something suitable for everyone!  As well as our growing collection of books, we also have a range of magazines including BBC Music, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Practical Photography and Grand Designs. We have a selection of graphic novels and comic-strip fiction and plenty of short-reads for students who are not yet confident reading novels as well as a wide range of fact, skills and fiction books around a game called football!

A love of books and reading for has been shown to have a positive impact on student progress in all school subjects. Reading for pleasure at home has been linked to improved emotional health for students and even to potential for higher earning as adults.

Developing Students’ Reading

We understand that reading is fundamental to academic success and personal growth, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive support system both in school and at home. Here is what we are doing at school, and how you can support your child’s reading at home.

What We Are Doing at School 

LFT Fluency Program: Our program is designed to improve students’ reading fluency through targeted practice and assessment. This program includes engaging activities that help students read more smoothly and quickly, enhancing their comprehension and confidence in reading. 

1-1 Reading sessions and small group intervention: We provide personalised 1-1 reading sessions, as well as small group interventions, where students receive individual attention from our dedicated staff. These sessions are tailored to meet each student’s specific needs, allowing for focused improvement in areas where they need the most help. 

Ruler Reading: We integrate “Ruler Reading” across all subjects to ensure that students are continually practicing and improving their reading skills. This means that students use a ruler to read any extended texts, making sure that they are reading the correct words at the correct time. This is shown to support all students in their comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.  

Teaching Tier 2 Vocabulary: In all subjects, students are taught the challenging tier 2 words which can act as barriers to their understanding. These words are carefully planned and sequenced to ensure retention. This is then strengthened through the use of Bedrock Vocabulary as a weekly homework. 

Accelerated Reader: All students in KS3 have one library lesson per week where they participate in the Accelerated Reader program. Students use this lesson to read their reading book (which is the correct level for their reading age), take quizzes on their book and read with their teacher. There is a fantastic rewards scheme to make sure that students are feeling successful in building these great habits. 

How You Can Support Reading at Home 

Create a reading-friendly environment: 

• Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable place to read. 
• Keep a variety of books, magazines, and newspapers available at home. 
• Set aside regular time for reading each day, making it a part of your daily routine. 

Be a reading role model: 

• Let your child see you reading regularly. 
• Discuss what you are reading and share your thoughts and opinions about books and articles. 

Encourage a variety of reading materials: 

• Support your child in exploring different genres, authors, and subjects. 
• Encourage them to read both fiction and non-fiction to broaden their understanding and interests. 

Discuss books and stories: 

• Talk to your child about what they are reading. Ask questions about the plot, characters, and their thoughts on the story. 
• Encourage them to make connections between the stories they read and their own experiences. 

Visit libraries and bookstores: 

• Take regular trips to the local library or bookstore to explore new books. 
• Allow your child to choose books that interest them to foster a sense of independence and excitement about reading. 

Utilise online resources: 

• Make use of online reading platforms and digital libraries to access a wider range of reading materials. 
• Explore educational websites that offer reading games and activities to make reading fun and interactive.

We encourage all parents and carers to talk to their child about what they are currently reading.  Why not take some time out in the evening to sit with your child and listen to them read or share a classic together reading alternate pages.