Reading
Our Vision
Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst is a reading rich school with a strong commitment to ensuring all children can read well. At Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst, we recognise that reading is an essential skill that opens the door to both academic success and personal growth.
To achieve this, we are focused on ensuring that every student can:
- Read independently and for pleasure
- Tackle a wide range of texts with confidence, particularly at Key Stage 4 and beyond
- Develop the literacy skills necessary to navigate the texts they will encounter throughout life
What does it mean to be a Reading RICH school?
R – Right to read. Our children understand that enjoying being able to read fluently is their entitlement.
I – Interaction with the challenges of reading. Our children are resilient readers. They appreciate that reading is complex cognitive process that can be challenging because people process information differently.
C – Connect with ideas, voices and views with compassion and empathy. Our children read with an intent to understand rather than judge through genuine exposure to diverse thoughts and experiences.
H – Healthy understanding of the world is achieved. Our children are offered a broad and balanced view of the world, which counteracts the ‘echo chamber’ phenomenon. This healthy, open mind enables the capacity to authentically listen to alternative ideas.
How do we support reading at TGAK?
Here at TGAK, we follow a multi-faceted approach to reading, both within the curriculum and via intervention.
- Students take part in a daily 30-minute reading session led by their tutor, where fluent and expressive reading is expertly modelled. This consistent exposure to high-quality reading not only builds comprehension and vocabulary but also fosters a culture of reading for pleasure and academic success. Texts are selected to expand students’ cultural capital.
- As a staff body, we recognise the importance of developing a wide vocabulary as this improves students’ reading comprehension and fluency. Within curriculum areas, students are explicitly taught vocabulary that supports their understanding of more challenging academic texts.
- Pupils are assessed in Year 7 using the Little Wandle Screening Test to identify those who require additional phonics-based reading support.
- Literacy Gold, Lexia, and SNIP are used to support students with targeted reading needs, helping them develop the skills and confidence to see themselves as capable, independent readers.
What further reading opportunities are there?
- All year 7 and 8 pupils have a timetabled lesson in the library once a fortnight. Pupils rotate between targeted fluency practice in small groups and independent reading for pleasure, with staff actively supporting both through guided reading and thoughtful discussions about texts.
- World Book Day. Each year we celebrate this day through a series of activities both in class and at break and lunch time. This has previously included a book fair and a visiting author.
What are we reading this term?
| Year group | Book |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | The Book of Stolen Dreams |
| Year 8 | This Book Kills |
| Year 9 | Totally Deceased |
| Year 10 | Lord of the Flies |
| Year 12 | Room |
| Year 13 | Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe |
What can parents do to help support reading at home?
Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful ways your child can boost their achievement in school. Research consistently shows that regular reading supports cognitive development and academic success. A recent study by the Institute of Education found that students who read at home perform significantly better across all subjects—including achieving nearly 10% higher in maths—compared to those who don’t. Reading is also the most effective way to expand vocabulary, a vital skill that underpins success in every area of the curriculum.
Here are some practical ways you can support your child’s reading journey:
1. Encourage daily reading
Aim for at least 20 minutes of reading each day. This could be before bed, after school, or at a quiet moment during the evening.
2. Talk about what they’re reading
Ask open questions like:
- What’s happening in the story?
- What do you think will happen next?
- How does the character feel?
Discussing books helps improve comprehension and vocabulary.
3. Let them choose
Allow your child to choose books that interest them—this helps foster a love of reading. This could include novels, comics, magazines, or non-fiction. All year 7 and 8 pupils should have a reading book in school, as part of their equipment.
4. Read together
Reading aloud isn’t just for younger children. Shared reading—taking turns or listening to audiobooks—can boost fluency and confidence at any age.
5. Model reading
Let your children see you reading for pleasure and talk about what you read and how you choose books.