Intent

Armthorpe Academy have a comprehensive school-wide reading initiative to ensure a love of reading is encouraged for all throughout the school with structured and planned reading promoted through Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four. Success in reading unlocks the curriculum and equips our students to lead independent lives, pursue their ambitions and thrive in society. Armthorpe Academy develops students’ abilities to read increasingly complex texts and fosters their motivation to read widely for different purposes, including pleasure and happiness. 

 

In Key Stage Three, we allocate lesson time to the invaluable practice of reading. Students are allocated one reading lesson each where they complete the ‘20-20-20', which consists of Reading Wise, Library Activities and Independent Reading. This means that their chosen material is calibrated to be both engaging and appropriately challenging, nurturing their growth as proficient readers. However, ambition is always maintained, and no student is prevented from reading a more challenging text if they should wish.  

In Key Stage Four, Teachers actively seek out opportunities for reading in lessons to develop a rich diet of vocabulary and disciplinary texts across a range of subjects in the curriculum. This approach not only promotes literacy but also instils a lifelong love for learning within the unique context of each subject, enriching our students' educational journey.  

 

Within our tutor program there is a session dedicated to Powerful Words to develop vocabulary across the curriculum and strengthen students’ dexterity with language. There are also regular functional skills literacy lessons throughout the form program and the Armthorpe Spelling Bee which encourages students’ lateral thinking and engagement with higher vocabulary 

 

We also utilize reciprocal reading in lessons to develop vocabulary to model excellence in reading. Research shows that when groups of people read together and listen to a text being read aloud, the least fluent are the greatest beneficiaries. "The teacher reading aloud and expertly modelling fluency (pace, expression, volume etc.) is likely a better bet than selecting under practised pupils to read" (Quigley - EEF). 

 

Students are encouraged to read during break and lunch time through a plethora of resources in our well stocked school library, where students are encouraged to handpick books that resonate with their interests. This thoughtful approach not only fosters a love for reading but also empowers students to become discerning readers, enhancing their literary horizons. The library features both traditional and digital resources to support learning and a dedicated, award-winning, librarian to help foster students love of reading. 

 

Students also take part in the wider reading of Non-fiction extracts during the tutor program through the Current Affairs sessions. These specially selected extracts are designed to engage students and to inspire comprehension through challenging, rich texts, experiential learning, project work and the acquisition of core knowledge about the real world. By making connections between current affairs and the curriculum, we encourage students to become more actively engaged in their studies and more inquisitive, enabling them to develop cultural capital, Fundamental British Values and the skills students need to be successful in the modern world and ethical, informed citizens. Students have the chance to investigate what is true, expose misinformation and allows opportunities for discussion, as well as questions which enables students to extend their thoughts around the subject matter, make good choices and fulfil their potential.