Literacy

Reading is not only an essential life skill which impacts attainment in an educational setting, it can have a profound impact on a person's mental health, confidence and employability. 

At St Thomas More School we are committed to making sure that all of our pupils become proficient, confident readers. The Early Years Settings and Primary School play an important role in teaching pupils how to read and decode. This is the beginning of understanding and enjoyment. However, pupils need to continue to build fluency, make meaning and strengthen their enjoyment of reading throughout their time at Secondary School. 

There are a number of ways St Thomas More supports your child with this.

Reading Ages

Reading ages and reading speed are determined at the start of each academic year using Sparx Reader Assessment. Reading ages are used firstly, to inform classroom teachers on the reading ability of their classroom. This allows teachers to plan lessons, scaffold resources and model accordingly to the needs of the pupil in the classroom. High quality teaching is one of the most effective ways in school to support pupils in their reading and the comprehension of what they are reading. 

Sparx Reader

SR is an online programme that helps teachers manage and monitor your child's independent reading practice.

• Students choose from a range of age-appropriate eBooks at their reading level and, as they read, they will answer questions to check their comprehension and that they are reading carefully.
• Students receive immediate feedback for each question about whether their answer was correct or they need to have another try. Careful readers earn rewards via SRP for completion and effort.
• Sparx Reader reassures teachers and parents that focused and careful reading is taking place, and that readers of all abilities feel successful and motivated.
• Homework will only be marked complete when the Sparx Reader Points target has been met.

Additional Support

All students Reading ages are compared to their chronological age. Students with a lower Reading Age are further assessed to identify their area of need.

This is through a GRT test and 1:1 reading. We provide a range of interventions to support each individuals need.

Fresh Start

Phonics and Decoding: This is a skill that is learnt at Primary school but some students have gaps or may speak another language at home. In order to address this we use Fresh Start, a systematic synthetic phonics-based approach, aimed at older children. It enables them to become confident, fluent readers who can access the wider curriculum. This can be on a 1:1 basis or small group.

Reading Challenge

Fluency and Comprehension: The ability to read words correctly, at an appropriate speed and with correct stress and tone. This skill is needed for good reading comprehension. Comprehension is the ability to understand the meaning of the text; in story books and in information books. It can allow children to imagine characters, become emotionally attached to the story, or it can allow them to gain knowledge and further their understanding of subject matter.

We run Daily Reading Challenge sessions with identified students. They have the opportunity to read aloud whilst checking understanding, with support and modelling. Books are chosen to specifically engage even the most reluctant of readers.

Sparx Reader Monitoring

Students that are slightly below their chronological age will be closely monitored weekly through their Sparx homework, to ensure they are reaching a good standard of accuracy. Individual sessions are used to target areas of weakness for them.

Curriculum Lessons

In lessons teachers focus on the 4 main reading techniques. Skimming, scanning, intensive and extensive reading whilst employing and building upon skills the students have already learnt on their reading journey.