Reading at HMS

We aim to enable the children to become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers. Success in reading has a direct effect upon progress in all other areas of the curriculum; is crucial in a child’s overall development and ultimately success in later life. Therefore creating a reading culture is at the heart of our school.

At Highfield we teach reading through a blend of focussed (Fresh Start) phonics sessions, group guided reading, individual reading, and shared reading across the curriculum with opportunities to read for pleasure. Our Curriculum offers many opportunities for children to develop good comprehension skills through reading and discussing a range of stories, poems and non-fiction.

We celebrate reading at Highfield with regular events such as World Book Day, visiting authors and theatre visits; while a group of students known as English Leaders help to promote reading in our school and beyond.

Read Write Inc Fresh Start

We recognise that not everyone finds reading easy and sometimes pupils come to middle school with gaps in their ability to understand age appropriate texts. Therefore we use a phonics programme called Read Write Inc. Fresh Start which rescues older readers aged 9 and above who are below expected standards in reading and writing. Fresh Start is a full teaching programmes that:

Gets all children reading and writing fluently
Engages children with age-appropriate texts
Ensures all children can read confidently before secondary school
Assesses children every eight weeks to ensure that they have the best provision to make speedy progress

For more information visit: Ruth Miskin Training - About Read Write Inc. Fresh Start

Accelerated Reader

Pupils develop reading skills most effectively when they read appropriately challenging books – difficult enough to keep them engaged but not so difficult that they become frustrated. In the Summer of 2018 we implemented a whole new school initiative called Accelerated Reader, which is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing independent reading practice while promoting reading for pleasure. This has been a huge success and as a result we have seen a higher level of engagement in reading across school.

“Children and young people who use Accelerated Reader tend to enjoy reading more, do it more often and think more positively about reading than their peers who do not use Accelerated Reader. They are also more likely to see a link between reading and their successes.” Dr Christina Clark, National Literacy Trust 2018

For more information visit: Accelerated Reader - UK, Ireland and International

Accelerated Reader

Mr K Bell

English Lead