Literacy
Reading
Why is reading so important at Highfields?
At Highfields we are passionate about promoting reading.
As students make the transition from primary to secondary school, it is vital that we work together to encourage students to enjoy reading for pleasure both at school and at home.
“‘There is a strong culture of reading across the school. Teachers are passionate about reading. They help pupils understand why reading is important. Teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to read aloud in lessons. Pupils carry books with them and read often. Leaders provide help to pupils who struggle to read fluently’”
Research shows that reading for pleasure has a significant impact on academic achievement, supporting students to widen their range of vocabulary and develop their ability to write with precision and creativity.
“‘The Lord of the Rings is by far my favourite text to have ever been written - you cannot help but find yourself engrossed in every aspect of it.’ ”
However, it is also important to acknowledge the importance of the pleasure and imaginative aspects of reading. Through reading children are free to choose the worlds they visit, the characters they meet, the points of view they encounter and the visions they create.
What’s on offer at Highfields?
“‘My Favourite book would probably be “Prince Caspian” of the Narnia series, as I really enjoy reading stories which involve a strenuous, fictitious journey’”
We have a variety of opportunities for readers to enjoy at Highfields:
Accelerated Reader and Star Reader programme
Switch On Reading support
Carnegie Reading groups
Author visits and trips
Wide range of new reading books in our LRC
Library Induction lessons
KS3 Library monitors
Dedicated reading time during registration and English lessons
Paired Reading
Reading based ‘starter activities’
World Book Day
International Poetry Day
Recommended reading lists for each year group
Reading Passports
The ‘H’ Magazine
The Day online newspaper
Online academic periodicals
Reading themed assemblies
Supporting your child with reading
Research shows that parents play a key role in helping children to develop a love of reading. Try these tips to encourage your child to enjoy reading at home.
Let your child see you reading!
Let your child choose what to read, rather than choosing what you think they should read.
Encourage your child to read magazines, comics, newspapers and the internet as well as books.
Talk to your child about books or magazines you haven’t enjoyed, as well as things you love.
Make time to read together if you can.
Buy books as presents. Don’t forget TV tie-ins and books about interests such as computer games or bands.
Remember that your child is reading when they are looking at bus timetables, menus, instructions, TV guides and the internet.
Wider Reading Lists
Oracy
At Highfields School communication is at the heart of everything we do. Across the curriculum, we recognise that oracy, or the ability to communicate through spoken language, is an essential skill which has a profound impact on students’ education and future lives.
Therefore, at Highfields School, our curriculum is planned to provide students with the opportunity to practise and develop their spoken communication skills at every opportunity. We have worked closely with Voice 21 – the UK’s oracy education charity – to ensure that all students will experience a range of purposeful and effective oracy explicit activities, including:
“‘The ability to communicate effectively is an essential ingredient to both success in school and beyond.’”
Individual/group presentations of ideas
Debates
Collaborative work
Hot seating
‘No Pens Day’
Form-led assemblies
Drama based activities
Socratic discussion
Whole school oracy events led by representatives from ‘Voice 21’
The Gresham Oracy Competition (Sixth Form)