Reading is integral to life at Dr Thomlinson’s as it is so closely linked to success at school and thus children’s self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Being able to read is the key to independent learning and so it’s given a high priority by all staff. We set out to make sure all of our children are confident readers with a wide range of experience.

In Years 5, 6 and 7 we use Accelerated Reader in school – it is met with huge enthusiasm and students are rewarded on a half-termly basis for their reading. See below for more information about how Accelerated Reading can improve your child’s reading skills.

In Year 8, students complete the 50 Book Challenge. A reading reward trip is organised at the end of the year to celebrate students completion of this reading challenge.

From September 2014 our English curriculum will develop children’s comprehension, vocabulary, writing, critical thinking and discussion skills and teach grammar in an interesting and meaningful way – all skills of which are deeply rooted in the new National Curriculum. We use the Read Write Inc. programme who some of our children who still require support in decoding texts ; this is delivered in small intervention groups.

Every day form classes have reading time during 1pm-1.20. Reading interventions and quizzing also takes place during this time. The library is also open every lunchtime and supervised by a team of keen KS3 Librarians and Mrs Battista. We ask that all students have a book to read in school everyday. Reading and discussing book choices at home is really important -remember the emphasis should be on reading for pleasure!

A love of reading is further nurtured by a variety of initiatives such as visits from authors, LitQuizzes, “Come Dine and Read With Me”, author visits and whole school celebrations for World Book Day and National Poetry Day.

Click here for more information on Accelerated Reader.

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