Reading

As a Laidlaw Trust school, Excelsior Academy gives reading in all its forms a high priority.  We know that reading is the key to the whole curriculum, to lifelong learning, enjoyment and effective engagement with the opportunities of life and work. Please see our primary section for more information about learning to read at Excelsior Primary.

Our LST strategy for reading in the secondary years recognises the legacy of COVID for many of our pupils and the gaps in reading knowledge, experience and confidence that some pupils have. We know that for pupils who join our schools part way through the secondary phase or who are learning a new language, there are very specific challenges and we aim to work with pupils and families to make sure that support starts rapidly. We then build on this foundation, to support pupils to become fluent, rapid readers with a wide vocabulary and well developed comprehension of what they read.

Our LST strategy for reading aims to ensure that:

·   All pupils who need support to establish a secure knowledge of the phonic code, whatever their age, are identified rapidly and receive intensive support via a highly structured programme.

·   Pupils receive structured support to develop their reading fluency and speed. 

·   Pupils develop the habits of reading for learning and for pleasure.

·   Pupils develop a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and encounter  a wide range of genre in the texts they read.

·   Pupils develop a knowledge and appreciation of diverse voices in literature.

·   Pupils are inspired by authors, story tellers,  poets and playwrights.