Our Curriculum

Subject Information- Intent

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Subject Information- Intent

INSPIRE, CHALLENGE, ENRICH

Our Reading Curriculum

The school recognises that reading is a fundamental skill which is not only the foundation for all academic learning but also key to students’ success both in school and in the future. Research shows that good readers are also proven to be happier, more confident individuals and even have better health. As such, reading is at the heart of our curriculum.

All students in Years 7 and 8 have a timetabled reading lesson in the library with their English teacher, supported by a librarian. Teachers use carefully selected texts to engage students, build their culture capital, and increase their reading stamina through developing fluency and comprehension skills.

A reading book is an essential part of equipment for our students in year 7, 8, and 9. Our DEAR programme, (Drop Everything and Read) ensures students get a daily opportunity to read in addition to their library lesson. The school uses Accelerated Reader to help children choose appropriate books from a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Their progress is monitored and rewarded across a half term.

For homework, all students in year 7, 8 and 9 use Bedrock literacy weekly to independently to develop their reading skills. Students’ progress is carefully tracked by teachers and children are rewarded monthly and half termly for their progress and achievement. This maintains high levels of motivation.

We aim to promote a culture of reading across the school. Core reading skills, and opportunities to read are built in across all subjects and reading is celebrated in every of school life.

There are a wide range of opportunities to extend students’ love of literacy and reading. From weekly opportunities such as Debate Mate, Harry Potter Club and Newsletter Club to annual competitions and events such as the Redhill Trust Big Read Quiz, the Redhill Trust Book Club, the Carnegie Shadowing group, author visits and World Book Day, Park Vale Academy ensures that both the curriculum and co-curriculum are “reading-rich”.

The school invests heavily in support for students who need it. We have two dedicated literacy TAs and aim to provide all students who have a reading age below their chronological age with weekly one to one support to help address this gap. There is a tiered program of support to tailor reading intervention to students’ needs.

All staff receive annual literacy CPD which ensures that literacy is mapped out within the curriculum at disciplinary level and teachers, regardless of subject, understand their role as teachers of literacy.