Our Reading Philosophy

At Drybrook Primary School, we recognise that proficiency in reading is crucial for accessing all areas of the curriculum and for enriching life experiences outside of school. Our aim is for every pupil to read fluently and with confidence, not just in English but across all subjects. Through extensive reading of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, we strive to instil in our pupils a love for reading, an eagerness to acquire knowledge, and the ability to access a wider curriculum while developing their comprehension skills.

Early Years to KS1: Phonics with Read Write Inc.

Our journey into reading begins in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 with the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme. This comprehensive literacy programme is designed to ensure that all children can read fluently and speedily, allowing them to concentrate on developing their comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling skills. Phonics instruction is a daily practice, scheduled from 9 am to 9:45 am, where children are grouped by their phonetic ability rather than age, providing a bespoke learning experience. This inclusive pedagogy extends to pupils beyond Year 2 who may need ongoing support, ensuring no child is left behind.

As children progress, they transition from phonetic decoding to fluent reading, leading to the RWI Spelling programme. Children are encouraged to take home books that correlate with their phonics stage, which they can read with about 90% accuracy, fostering fluency. Additionally, children are invited to choose a 'Reading for Pleasure' book from our library, encouraging active parental involvement in their child's reading journey.

KS2: Whole Class Guided Reading and Accelerated Reader

As pupils progress to Key Stage 2, they engage in daily guided reading sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes. Here, whole-class teaching is implemented, with high-quality teacher modelling to support the analysis of challenging texts. This approach to reading aligns with our philosophy of encouraging a deeper understanding of literature through shared experiences.

For those who require further support, the Read Write Inc Fresh Start programme is utilised, ensuring personalised learning approaches are in place.

Enriching Literary Experiences: Reading Buddies and Whole Class Novels

Beyond structured programmes, our Reading Buddies scheme pairs older pupils with younger ones, promoting a culture of empathy and support through peer mentorship. This initiative enhances the enjoyment and independence of reading for both the mentor and mentee.

Whole class novels form a staple of our guided reading sessions, providing a collective literary experience that challenges and engages our pupils. Through these novels, pupils encounter an array of literature that ignites their imagination and fosters critical thinking.

Commitment to Fostering Lifelong Readers

At Drybrook Primary School, our commitment to nurturing enthusiastic, lifelong readers is unwavering. We believe that through reading, our pupils can grow culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Our dedicated reading programme reflects this ethos, aiming to instil in our pupils the skills and passion for reading that will last them a lifetime.