Whitehill Primary School & Nursery
Developing confidence, ambition and independence through the highest aspirations for all

Developing Reading at Home and School

At Whitehill, we highly value the importance of children’s skills in Reading. Reading underpins all areas of learning as the development of language comprehension is vital to this process. Throughout the school, good quality reading texts are explored and underpin all English learning.  Texts progress in complexity, and outcomes increase as the children move up through the key stages. We also recognise the importance of non-fiction texts. Our book corners are set up in a way that ensures reading enjoyment and accessibility to all.

In the Early Years and Key Stage 1 we use elements of Read, Write, Inc to develop phonics and guided reading in a systematic and rigorous manner. Children’s skills, knowledge and understanding are developed sequentially to then assist them with the reading process.

Children enjoying reading for pleasure, whilst choosing challenging texts, is vital for their growth not only in academic learning but also in overall personal development. Whitehill uses a range of strategies to promote reading. We are very fortunate to have 2 libraries, one in each of the main key stage buildings. These rooms house an extensive selection of reading material for children to enjoy in school but also at home. We have initiatives such as author polls and reading competitions to encourage children to enjoy their reading. Last year we were also involved with nationwide events such as World Book Day, Roald Dahl Day and the BBC 500 word competition. This helped the children to understand their role within a global reading community.

We use Renaissance’s Accelerated Reader to provide children with a progressive framework for their independent reading choices. Children are assessed (quizzed) to determine their underlying reading attainment and then signposted to appropriate quality texts; encompassing enjoyment and challenge. Renaissance’s Accelerated Reader Programme thus enables students to select appropriately levelled books to read and enjoy at school and at home.

If you need to quiz on your accelerated reader book, please use this link.