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Reading At SCA

Curriculum

“Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.”

Barack Obama.

Reading Literacy at Shireland collegiate academy

At ݮ, we believe that reading is critical to:

  • unlocking the curriculum
  • overcoming social disadvantage
  • broadening our student’s’ futures


By promoting a love of reading and empowering our students to read,we aim for each of our students to leave the Academy as a skilled reader.

Whole Class Reader

Our Whole Class Reader program takes place during Year 7-8 L4L and Year 9-11 morning registration. Each year group has a carefully selected, stimulating and age-appropriate novel, which is read (out) aloud by the classroom teacher. This modelled reading is crucial for our readers to hear, as they have the opportunity to experience reading that is conducted with enthusiasm and to the punctuation. This pleasurable experience allows for discussion around high quality texts and vocabulary.

First News

At KS3, our students are kept up to datewith news events in the UK and around the world. At ݮ, we aim to help our students to build an interest in being informed. First News is not only engaging but ultimately helps in fuelling their curiosity and encouraging them to form their own opinions.

KS3

In Year 7, our approach to literacy instruction is both comprehensive and engaging. As part of our Literacy 4 Life curriculum, students benefit from a multifaceted learning experience.

We do the following in Y7:

  • We start the day with reading this could be an online book or a physical book
  • Students have access to books within a classroom and access to the main library.
  • We have theme readers which allow students to read around the themes
  • Simultaneously, Literacy 4 Life is enriched with vocabulary sheets that are thoughtfully linked to each theme, allowing students to systematically enhance their Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary as they explore different subjects.

Our whole class reading sessions, held weekly, are a fundamental component of our literacy program. They delve into the intricacies of word meaning, develop their comprehension skills, and learn to extract evidence from the text to support their interpretations. This approach not only strengthens their reading abilities but also equips them with the valuable skills required for effective communication and analysis in various subjects. Throughout the Literacy 4 Life Curriculum, key texts have been chosen as the focus for Big Reads and Big Writes.

In Year 8, our approach to literacy education remains robust and dynamic. Literacy 4 Life is enriched with vocabulary sheets that are thoughtfully linked to each theme, allowing students to systematically enhance their Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary as they explore different subjects.

Moreover, for our more advanced students, we offer a unique avenue for deeper knowledge acquisition. Through the wider context documents, they gain access to additional reading materials that enable them to delve into the themes at a greater depth, building a richer contextual understanding. This approach not only hones their language and comprehension skills but also cultivates an inquisitive spirit and encourages independent learning.

We do the following in Y8:

  • We start the day with reading this could be an online book or a physical book
  • Students have access to books within the Y8 library and access to the main library
  • We have theme readers which allow students to read around the themes

In Year 9, our commitment to fostering literacy skills continues to evolve. Within the curriculum, library sessions are thoughtfully integrated into Year 9 English lessons. These sessions serve as a valuable opportunity for students to explore the world of literature and expand their reading horizons within the context of their English studies.Moreover, for our more advanced students, we provide access to wider context documents, offering a pathway to deeper contextual understanding within each unit. This approach not only sharpens their language and comprehension skills but also encourages them to take an active role in their own learning.

In Key Stage4,students continue to enjoy regular access to the school library, providing them with a haven for research, quiet study, and exploration. In addition to a diverse collection of literature, the library also houses disciplinary texts that cater to their specific subject areas, furtherfacilitatingin-depth learning and research. Moreover, the integration ofTier 2 andTier 3 vocabulary within their subjects ensures that students not only have access to a broad array of academic language but also the tools they need to effectively communicate and excel in their chosen fields of study. This comprehensive approach to learning in Key Stage 4 underscores our commitment to providing students with the resources and support theyrequireto thrive academically and prepare for their futureendeavours.

For Sixth Form students, they read an article on current affairs during registration. They focus on academic reading, vocabulary acquisition, summarising skills and comprehension which are crucial skills that university institutions highlight.

Reading Buddies

To nurture the love of reading,we have identified students in Year 7 who would benefit from a Post-16 Reading Buddy. Reading Buddies meet up with their readers once a week during Monday morning registration in the library to help to inspire younger readers by modelling reading and asking VIPERS comprehension questions.

LITERACY INTERVENTIONS

Phonics

Following initial testing at SCA using the GL NGRT baseline assessment, a cohort of our students is identified who would benefit from an additional phonics intervention. These students are then further screened using the Abigail Steel phonics diagnostic test to see which, if any, level of phonic intervention is most appropriate for them. According to where they place on this diagnostic test, they undertake a targeted phonics program designed to cater to their level of need and which offers additional support with their reading.

We have chosen the Abigail Steele Phonics program as it is age-appropriate for secondary school students. It aims to empower our students with the foundational skills needed to become confident readers and proficient communicators.

By addressing the specific needs of each student identified as needing a phonics intervention, we ensure that no one is left behind in their educational journey, reinforcing our commitment toprovidingthe opportunity for all students to broaden their futures.

Abigail Steel phonics sessions take place 3 times a week for 20 minutes.

Lexia

SCA also caters to those students who have been identified through GL English and NGRT baseline assessments as needing additional support with their reading but for whom phonics intervention is not appropriate.

For these students, we offer the Lexia PowerUp computer-based intervention program, which focuses on further enhancing their students’ word study, grammar, and comprehension skills.

Lexia is an invaluable resource that assists students in strengthening their reading and language proficiency. Through personalised learning paths, it adapts to individual student needs, offering a tailored approach to skill development. This initiative ensures that every student receives the specialised support necessary to excel in their literacy journey, promoting a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience for all.

These sessions take place twice a week for 30 minutes. We also actively encourage our students to complete an additional 30 minutes at home to ensure they keep making progress in their reading their learning and progress both inside and outside of school.

Library

Here at SCA we want our library to be a vibrant, lively space where our students can not only feel supported with accessing the curriculum but also foster a love of reading. We want it to serve as a valuable resource for students, providing access to an extensive collection of fiction and non-fiction texts, reading programmes and educational resources.

Our library has been transformed into a rich haven for learning, personal development and enrichment. With an emphasis on encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and academic growth, students have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of age-appropriate materials and information to enhance their understanding of the curriculum.

Our library serves as an integral part of SCA’s commitment to promoting an appreciation of reading and fostering a love of reading that extends beyond the Academy.