All students are expected to carry a reading book of their own choice at all times. Independent reading is encouraged at all times, particularly during Form Time when collective worship is not planned. English lessons incorporate reading at a suitable level and strive to give all students the opportunities to develop understanding of a variety of styles of texts, as well as the reading skills needed to function within adulthood. For those learners who do struggle, we offer a range of interventions suitable to the individual. Small groups take place which are ESA monitored. We also have sixth form students who volunteer to read 1 to 1 with a student who is struggling.

These readers are closely monitored by the school SENCO. We also have an online reading scheme for those students who are able to read but who lack the inference and comprehension skills needed to achieve a secure reading level. SENISS become involved with those learners who are struggling to build words and read fluently.

The academy currently employs two full-time teaching staff, including the SENCO, who are qualified in Specific Learning Difficulties and can assess and plan programmes of multisensory styled phonic based lessons.

Here at St Margaret’s we encourage students not only to read around their subject area, but also to read for pleasure. All students can borrow from a vast collection of books in the Resource Centre. Our Reading Surveys suggest that the majority of students enjoy reading and they are actively encouraged to recommend books they would like to read. We also have an Author of the Month in the Resource Centre which has proved a popular initiative. In addition, we have produced tips for parents to encourage their children to read at home and recommended some useful websites.

Reading survey and websites

We often carry out a reading survey amongst our new Year 7 students.  Here are some of the things the students have said about reading for pleasure:

• “There are so many interesting books around, so I buy and read them”
• “It’s fun”
• (I read) because I like getting lost in a book”
• “Because reading transfers me to other worlds and feeds my imagination”
• “It is enjoyable when you clear your mind and think about the fictional story of someone else’s life”

To encourage your children to read for pleasure here are some useful websites:

www.oxfordowl.co.uk
Includes recommendations of books for boys. Information about encouraging boys to read.

www.literacylaunchpad.blogspot.co.uk
20 sites and tools to encourage lifelong reading

www.booksforkeeps.co.uk
Book recommendations

www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk
Students can nominate up to 2 titles for these prestigious children’s awards

Creating a reading environment at home

Tips for parents to encourage students to read at home

Parents and other family members need to be involved in children’s reading throughout their school years.  St Margaret’s recognises the importance of parental involvement in students’ progress and increasingly encourages parents to play a more active role.

Make reading materials available

To create a healthy reading environment, start with a good supply of reading materials – newspapers, magazines, books.  It doesn’t matter whether they are owned or borrowed, used or new.  Don’t forget – All students at St Margaret’s can borrow a book from the Resource Centre. Set aside a spot in your home for a family library.  You don’t need much space: a corner of a room with a bookshelf, comfortable furniture and adequate lighting will do.  In choosing materials, remember that variety counts.  Instead of focusing on the number of books, keep in mind the interests of each family member.  A small collection of books thoughtfully gathered over a period of time is better than a large collection that goes unread. Paperback and hardback covers, a dictionary, an atlas, magazines and newspapers are all useful.

Be reading role models

If children see their parents reading daily – even for function or pleasure – they are more likely to become avid readers themselves.  If children see parents visiting libraries and checking our books, giving and receiving books as gifts, and borrowing and loaning books to friends, they will know that their parents place a high value on reading

Encourage personal libraries

Children often want their own place to keep books.  If your child’s room does not have a bookshelf or bookcase, use a basket or box for storage.

Let your children choose the books they want to add to their collection. Many children get hooked on a particular series of books which fires their imagination. A book buying trip to a car boot sale or book shop or simply buying from Amazon is a fun activity.

Take your children to the library regularly. Even a child with a well-stocked bookshop needs a fresh supply of books.

Encourage children to treat library books with the same care they would treat their own.

Give your children books or magazine subscriptions as gifts.