Reading

To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries.” —A.C. Grayling

 

What is Magic about Reading?

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark. —Victor Hugo. Reading opens up a wealth of opportunities and enables the reader to evaluate, experience and imagine the word from the pages in a book. Books feed inspiration and imagination, as well as fostering the ability to let your mind grow beyond the constraints we can often impose on ourselves. To be able to read opens up the full curriculum and supports their academic learning and mental health escapism throughout their life.

 

What will pupils miss if they don't read?

Without the ability to read, children will struggle to acces the full curriculum. They can become withdrawn and feel shut off from the World, especially if they are aware that they cannot access the reading opportunities around them. Being able to read builds confidence. Without it, the struggle to read can impact on the whole curriculum and consequently their feeling of self-worth and the ability to succeed through life.

 

What is unique about reading?

Reading is vital throughout all areas iof the curriculum, from reading a script, to reading a recipe in a book. The impact of the ability read on a child is huge and can impact the learning and personal development of a child throughout a range of subjects.

 

Our Reading intent statement

A study of English provides the skills to adapt in a rapidly changing world, and exposes students to “the best that has been thought and said” (Matthew Arnold), and “is perhaps the greatest of human inventions…books break the shackles of time…proof that humans are capable of working magic” (Carl Sagan).

We have designed our English curriculum with the intent that all children, regardless of background, will become fluent, insightful readers and technically skilled, creative writers. Our children will engage with a range of genres and develop their understanding of fiction and non-fiction styles. Our Curriculum has been developed to instil in all children a love of reading and writing which will support their cultural, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. A good grasp of English is the bedrock of the entire curriculum, and children who are confident and adept readers and writers will be empowered to succeed in all other areas