“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary” Jim Rohn

Reading is an important part of our culture here at The Joseph Whitaker School.  We understand that it is vitally important for all of our students to leave school being able to read fluently, accurately and with confidence.

To ensure success in reading we aim for the following:

• All students can read at age related standard when they leave school
• Teaching staff make reading and vocabulary instruction an integral part of the lesson as part of our GREAT teaching method
• Students with difficulty in reading and literacy are supported within lessons and where appropriate through bespoke intervention programmes such as Lexia and small group or individual tutoring
• Students have opportunities to see the importance of reading through curriculum time and whole school events
• To encourage all students to read for pleasure outside of the classroom.

Each year we run a Week of Words festival in December where we celebrate the importance of reading and vocabulary with students participating in workshops by authors, book illustrators, journalists and actors over the a week finishing with a Book Fair where students can buy and swap books.

This year students met Nick Sharratt, ex- student of The Joseph Whitaker School who talked about his careers as a children’s illustrator including the famous series, Tracy Beaker books.

We want to encourage as many children to read for pleasure and so below are links to recommended book lists for each year group to help encourage your child to read at home

 

Each month we will share a focus on wider reading.  This month is a selection of books written by Muslim authors to celebrate Ramadan.