Reading at TLS

Reading is integral to success not only in school but also next steps in life. To support all students with building fluent reading skills to comprehend texts independently, all subject areas give students access to our research informed ‘Read More’ wheel.

We have a range of fiction and non-fiction books available in our school library for students to explore at break, lunch or in their KS3 library lessons. Students should be reading daily and will begin at the start of KS3 English lessons. 'Reading for Pleasure' now builds healthy reading habits for the future.

Students complete Accelerated Reader quizzes in KS3 to build a word count, set independent and class challenges across English groups and PD groups. Termly rewards are shared for greatest engagement and progress.

 

Regular reading tests through the year identifies students who struggle with fluent reading skills independently. We offer various interventions to support:

Fresh Start – supporting KS3 students with phonics development for decoding

Reading Plus – supporting KS4 students with vocabulary, reading speed and fluency, and comprehension to prepare them for exams and future career success. 

TLS Reading Partners – weekly paired reading with a Year 7-8 reader and Year 9-13 'Reading Leader' to build confidence and fluency

All students in KS3 will also have opportunities to meet with published authors to explore and understand careers with links to books and publications on and offline. To find out more please visit our 'News' page here.

In the Autumn and Spring Terms we have the Scholastic Book Fair  visiting. Dates are shared with parents/carers to help support by encouraging students to visit at break/lunch and to join us at our parental session after school. Books are available at discounted prices and every book sold will help us to qualify for free books for our school library.

Reading in the curriculum - To view subject suggested reading lists

Parental support: whilst we endeavour to do our upmost to encourage, motivate, challenge and support all students, we know you at home are the most powerful influence. Questions you could ask to encourage reading at home:

• What book have you checked out of the library?
• What has happened so far?
• What do you think will happen next?
• Who is your favourite character? Why?
• What is your favourite genre to read?

Anyone who lives, works or studies in Kent can also sign up for free library access and loans in Kent. https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/borrow-library-items/join-library-cards-and-pin