Step 1: Solid foundation in reading

Reading, combined with technical and ambitious vocabulary, lies at the heart of our curriculum. It is essential that all pupils are confident readers, as reading plays an essential part in enabling all of our pupils to access knowledge and to maximise learning. The knowledge and skills gained at each stage of study is vital, linking what has gone before to what is yet to come through an interconnected narrative. We strive to deliver a robust approach to the development of early reading and phonics, meaning that all children learn to read during their early years and Key Stage One. They ‘read to learn’ during Key Stage Two in order to access the wider curriculum. Our pupils are given the opportunity to read widely and are encouraged to form their own beliefs through experience, observation, quality talk and debate, a wider sense of self and the ability to reason and justify.