Reading weaves throughout our school curriculum but is also enjoyed and taught explicitly through:
- synthetic phonics teaching
- individual reading
- class texts which adults read aloud
- reading comprehension tasks
- reading quizzes and challenges
Children are encouraged to explore a variety of genres, text types and those from other cultures. Every class has an inviting reading space, dedicated to promoting a love of reading. Our library is well stocked and all children have regular opportunities to visit, as well as our local town library.
Phonics
St Mary's uses Phonics Bug as its scheme, with accompanying books for children to read in school and take home, which match their current learning.
Our Early Years and Key Stage One staff lead workshops each year, to support parents in understanding phonics and how to support children's reading at home.
Accelerated Reader
Once children are ready, they begin this scheme which combines reading development with reading fluency and reading comprehension. Children complete regular assessments which track progress in reading and ensure children are working securely within the correct reading band. Certificates can be earned for completing quizzes accurately and staff set challenges such as, who can read one million words! This scheme is accessible at home as well as at school and children can bring their own books in to set up on the system.