Reading at Manshead
Reading at Manshead
Reading at Manshead CE Academy
At Manshead CE Academy we believe that reading is the foundation of success across the curriculum and beyond. Strong literacy skills enable students to access knowledge, think critically, communicate effectively and flourish academically, socially and spiritually. Reading is therefore a whole-school priority and the responsibility of every subject area. This approach reflects the recommendations of the EEF which highlights the importance of disciplinary literacy, where every teacher supports students to read, write and communicate effectively within their subject. The Reading House | EEF
Research consistently demonstrates that literacy is a key predictor of future academic achievement and life opportunities. The EEF recommends that schools develop students' ability to read complex academic texts, provide targeted vocabulary instruction across subjects and offer high-quality interventions for students who require additional support.
Our Approach to Reading
Our reading strategy is built around several complementary approaches that ensure students encounter a wide range of high-quality texts and develop confidence as readers.
Form Time Reading
Students engage with reading during form time. Students should bring their own reading book from home or select one from the school library. Throughout the year students may also be exposed to texts around current affairs, different viewpoints and a broader understanding of the world around them. Reading and discussion activities also provide opportunities to develop vocabulary, comprehension and oracy skills.
Guided Reading
Guided reading activities take place across the curriculum in all key stages. Teachers explicitly teach reading strategies, support students in understanding challenging texts and help them to identify key ideas, themes and subject-specific terminology. Students will highlight, annotate and summarise their texts to develop their comprehension skills and further their understanding.
Teacher-Led and Modelled Reading
The EEF identifies the importance of supporting students to read complex academic texts. Teachers therefore regularly model fluent reading, demonstrate how expert readers approach unfamiliar vocabulary and explicitly teach comprehension strategies. Teachers at Manshead will regularly demonstrate this using visualisers in the classroom to support students progress.
Subject-Specific Reading
Every curriculum area provides opportunities for students to engage with reading that is unique to their discipline. The link below shows recommended reading from all subjects, for all year groups for students to delve into what they truly love.
Subject Reading by Year Group -
Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
Throughout the year, students participate in scheduled Drop Everything and Read sessions. These dedicated reading opportunities occur twice per week on a rotation . DEAR time supports reading for pleasure and encourages students to develop regular reading habits. All students are expected to have their own reading book with them each day.
Drop Everything and Read Calendar
Literacy Interventions
Where additional support is required, students may access targeted interventions designed to improve reading fluency, comprehension and confidence.
Echo Reading
- Small-group sessions focused on reading fluency and comprehension.
- Teacher modelling supporting students to develop confidence and accuracy.
Lexia
- Personalised digital intervention programme.
- Identifies individual literacy needs and provides targeted support.
- Enables students to make accelerated progress in reading and vocabulary development.
Reading Expectations
To support the development of strong reading habits:
- All students are expected to participate fully in reading activities across the curriculum.
- Students are encouraged to read regularly both in school and at home.
- Parents and carers play an important role in supporting reading habits and discussing reading with their child.
Impact
Through our whole-school reading strategy, we aim to:
- Improve reading fluency and comprehension.
- Develop subject-specific vocabulary and academic language.
- Increase students' confidence when engaging with challenging texts.
- Broaden knowledge and cultural understanding.
- Support achievement across all curriculum areas.
- Foster a lifelong enjoyment of reading.
School Library
Our Library plays a central role in promoting a culture of reading across the Academy. Open at break time, lunch time and after school, it provides students with a welcoming environment in which to read, study and explore new interests.
Students have access to a wide range of high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts, including contemporary literature, classic novels, graphic novels, biographies, revision guides, academic texts and subject-specific reading materials. The Library is carefully stocked to support reading for pleasure as well as academic success across the curriculum.
In addition to borrowing books, students can take part in a variety of reading-related activities throughout the year, including reading challenges, competitions, themed events, author-related activities and celebrations linked to national literacy events. Through these opportunities, we aim to foster a lifelong love of reading and encourage students to see reading as both an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Accelerated Reader
Students in Key Stage 3 participate in the Accelerated Reader programme, which supports reading development through regular independent reading and assessment. This is studied as part of the KS3 English Curriculum.
Accelerated Reader helps students select books that are appropriate for their reading ability whilst also encouraging them to challenge themselves and broaden their reading experiences. After reading a book, students complete an online quiz to demonstrate their understanding and comprehension of the text.
The programme enables staff to monitor reading engagement, track progress and provide personalised guidance when selecting future books. Students receive recognition for their achievements, helping to motivate regular reading and celebrate success.
By combining regular reading practice with carefully matched texts, Accelerated Reader supports improvements in reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and confidence. This complements our wider reading strategy and helps ensure that all students continue to make progress as readers.