We have recently assessed all our pupils at KS3 using the NGRT (New Group Reading Test).  The data provided ensures all teachers are aware of the reading ability of their pupils and support them accordingly.  The data is carefully analysed and pupils with a reading age more than 2 years behind their chronological age are further assessed by the Special Educational Needs Department to gain an insight into the nature of their reading difficulties.

Thinking Reading 

‘Thinking Reading’ is a tailored, research-based intervention designed to help pupils who struggle with reading achieve rapid and lasting improvements in their reading literacy skills. It provides targeted, one-to-one support by trained practitioners to help our pupils develop key reading skills, such as decoding, fluency, and vocabulary.

By focusing on our pupils’ individual needs, Thinking Reading enables them to make rapid progress and catch up with their peers. This approach not only helps them access the wider curriculum more easily but also boosts their confidence and enjoyment of reading. Our goal is to equip every child with the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Level 1 – Reading Rockets

Pupils with decoding difficulties which prevent them from accessing texts will be selected to take part in an intensive bespoke reading programme to help them reach their chronological age.  These pupils are selected because they are 3 or more years behind their chronological age.  These pupils will work with specialist teaching assistants.

Level 2 – Reading Stars

Pupils who struggle with their ability to interrogate and summarise a text, lack in comprehension and fluency and have a reading age which is 2 years below their chronological age will have a bespoke programme of reading intervention with a specialist English teacher three times a week.

Reading Buddy

If a pupil is unable to read with fluency, has comprehension difficulties, or is less than two years behind her chronological age, she is selected to work with a ‘Reading Buddy’ .  We have selected a group of Year 10 mentors to read with individual pupils once a week.