Reading well and reading often is key. It is the foundation for lifelong learning and for strong critical thinking. Good reading skills help students understand complex information in all their subjects. This boosts their success at school. Research shows that students who read regularly will gain a larger vocabulary and have better writing and communication skills. Furthermore, reading often improves students' concentration and memory. It also helps them understand and care for others by showing them different people and experiences. It's a powerful tool to keep their mind sharp and can also reduce stress. Reading for pleasure lets students visit worlds they may never see in real life.
At Outwood Academy Bydales, reading is the golden thread that runs through our curriculum from Year 7. Every teacher is a teacher of reading, no matter what subject they teach. In Years 7, 8, and 9 we regularly test students' reading ages. This helps us find students who are not reading at the age they should be. We can then give them the right support. This may involve phonics intervention through the Ruth Miskin Fresh Start programme. This allows new readers to develop their phonics and read more on their own. Other personal and high-quality support may include the computer-based Lexia programme. Lexia offers a specific plan to help students recognise words, grow their vocabulary, strengthen their sound awareness, and improve understanding. This helps students become more confident readers. We may also offer small group reading help that focuses on reading smoothly and understanding the text. We closely check students' reading ages every week in a reading meeting to ensure they get the necessary and suitable support.
In the English curriculum, students have a reading-focused plan. We celebrate every chance we get to read to and with our students. Two immersive reads happen each year in Y7, Y8, and Y9. Reading for pleasure is an important part of this, with students enjoying reading a complete book over a few weeks. Students also read on their own in their English lessons. We also use the Accelerated Reader programme, where students read and take tests to check their understanding of books they choose themselves. This lets them explore their own interests and favourite authors. Teachers use students' reading ages to make sure the texts in class are challenging and interesting, but still easy to access. In Years 7, 8, and 9 we also spend time reading as part of our Outwood Reads initiative. This is part of our Personal Development and Growth programme and also celebrates the power of reading for pleasure. During daily PD sessions, our students read a mix of fiction and non-fiction texts that are both engaging and challenging. These texts are clearly linked to what we teach in our personal development lessons.
Reading is celebrated, and praise is key to what we do. Assemblies every term celebrate students who have read the most and those who have improved their reading age. Our knowledgeable LRC (library) staff make sure our Learning Resource Centres are bright, welcoming places. They have well-stocked shelves, computer access, and a quiet place to study. Throughout the year there are exciting promotions and seasonal events to share the joy of reading and advertise what's new.
All subjects use strategies to promote reading. Teachers may use visualisers to show and explain how to read. Staff and students track texts (follow along with their finger or a ruler) to read more smoothly. Teachers use different ways to check for understanding. New, subject-specific words are introduced early, and the origin of words is explained. Teachers read aloud clearly at every chance. They also share what they are reading. Students are encouraged to read outside of school. We ask parents/carers to support this by reading with students of all ages where possible.