We place a high value on reading as a fundamental skill that underpins the success of all our pupils. Reading is not only essential for accessing the full breadth of our school curriculum but also plays a vital role in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil receives the support they need to develop their reading skills, regardless of their starting point. Through targeted interventions, dedicated reading programmes, and a rich variety of high-quality texts, we work hard to close any gaps and ensure that all pupils can thrive. Our Christian ethos inspires us to nurture every individual, and we see reading as a key way to empower our pupils, opening doors to new opportunities, broadening horizons, and preparing them for success in their education and beyond.
Reading Intervention
We recognise that 'reading to learn' is a cornerstone of academic success, and we are committed to ensuring that all pupils develop the skills needed to actively engage with texts in every subject. All teachers use effective, evidence-based reading strategies to help pupils access and understand the core knowledge required for success in their lessons. Drawing on research from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), we know that implementing proven strategies enhances pupils' comprehension, critical thinking, and ability to retain information. One key strategy used at Archbishop Temple is outlined in the document below, which guides teachers in supporting pupils' understanding of the texts they read. By embedding these approaches across the curriculum, we empower our pupils to become confident, active readers who are equipped to excel in all areas of their education.
Guided Reading Across School
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We are passionate about promoting a love for reading across our school community. This begins right at the start of a pupil's journey with us, as we gift every new pupil a book by renowned author Tom Palmer for their transition summer read. In September, pupils have the exciting opportunity to meet Tom Palmer during their induction week, bringing the stories to life and sparking their enthusiasm for reading.
Reading Transition |
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| We continue to inspire our pupils by inviting authors in throughout their five years at Archbishop, sharing recommended books, encouraging them to explore texts beyond the curriculum in different subject areas, and celebrating their achievements through various reading competitions. These competitions, highlighted in last year's evaluation document below, reflect our dedication to nurturing a lifelong love of reading. By embedding a culture of reading throughout school life, we empower our pupils to expand their horizons, enrich their learning, and develop their imaginations. | |
Reading Pathway
Pupils are given the unique opportunity to become Reading Leaders, a role that allows them to inspire and support younger pupils in their literacy journeys. These dedicated pupils are trained by Coram Beanstalk, a charity focused on improving children's reading skills. Through this partnership, the Reading Leaders receive specialised training that equips them with the tools to mentor younger readers, helping them build confidence and a love for reading. The programme fosters a sense of responsibility and community, as the pupils not only develop their own leadership and communication skills but also make a positive impact on the educational experiences of others. This initiative highlights the school's commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth in its pupils.
Reading Leaders
The library at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School serves as a hub for fostering a love of reading, offering a wide range of books to captivate the imaginations of pupils. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse selection of texts, the library encourages pupils to explore new worlds, develop their reading skills, and discover the joy that comes with a good book.
Library Activity Review 2023-24
All pupils use SPARX Reader, a powerful tool designed to develop their reading skills and foster a love of reading. Pupils engage with SPARX Reader during our Register and Read sessions in form time and also at home, ensuring regular and consistent reading practice. This approach helps improve fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, supporting pupils in becoming confident, independent readers. By integrating SPARX Reader into their daily routine, pupils benefit from personalised reading experiences tailored to their ability levels, enabling them to make steady progress. Below, you can find a document summarising the successes achieved with SPARX Reader in the last academic year, showcasing the positive impact it has had on our pupils’ reading development.
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