Reading

Curriculum Intent

At Lanchester Primary, our KS2 reading curriculum is guided by our core values of being Ready, Respectful, and Resilient. We strive to instil a love for reading by providing a wide range of high-quality texts that spark curiosity, foster empathy, and build critical reading skills. Our goal is to equip children with the tools needed to read confidently and independently, developing a lifelong appreciation for literature and language.

Core Principles of the Reading Curriculum:

Ready to Read: We prepare children to explore the vast world of reading by exposing them to a diverse selection of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Through this variety, children become ready to engage with different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, expanding their understanding of the world.
Respectful of Language and Literature: Our reading curriculum emphasises respect for language as a powerful tool for expression and connection. Children learn to appreciate the richness of words, build a deep vocabulary, and develop prosody and fluency as they read aloud with expression and understanding. We also cultivate respectful discussions around texts, encouraging students to share insights and listen to others' perspectives.
Resilient Readers: Reading is a journey that requires persistence and perseverance. Our curriculum focuses on building resilience by teaching critical reading skills through the VIPERS framework, which covers vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, and summarising. Children learn to approach challenging texts with confidence, and we celebrate progress as they strengthen their reading skills.

In KS2, children deepen their reading abilities using the VIPERS approach based on the National Curriculum reading domains.

Our instructional approach includes:

Whole-Class Shared Reading: Through guided discussions, children explore and analyse texts together, developing a shared appreciation for stories and expanding their critical thinking skills. This fosters a sense of community and respect as they learn from one another’s interpretations.
Small Group and Paired Reading: Collaborative reading activities provide opportunities for children to practice fluency, support each other, and discuss meaning in a supportive setting. Peer interactions help build respect and empathy while strengthening comprehension skills.
Individual Reading Practice: Independent reading time allows students to choose books that interest them, promoting autonomy and readiness to explore diverse genres. This daily practice cultivates a love for reading and supports each child’s individual growth.
Reading for Pleasure: We encourage children to read purely for enjoyment, providing time each day for them to immerse themselves in books. This reinforces a positive reading culture where all students are motivated to read by choice, becoming resilient readers who embrace reading as a source of joy and relaxation.

Supporting Comprehension and Critical Thinking:

Throughout KS2, the VIPERS domains form the foundation for our reading instruction:

Vocabulary: Developing a rich understanding of words to enhance meaning and expression.
Inference: Using evidence from the text to understand characters, settings, and events.
Prediction: Building curiosity by making logical predictions based on context.
Explanation: Discussing and analysing language, themes, and ideas in respectful, thoughtful ways.
Retrieval: Practising information-gathering skills to find and cite details from texts.
Summarising: Distilling key ideas and messages to deepen comprehension.

Implementation

What are the key concepts taught?

As the children progress through KS2, the following concepts will be taught to ensure they can:

Years 3 & 4

Read aloud fluently with intonation that reflects understanding.
Read many words outside their spoken vocabulary, making a reasonable approximation of pronunciation.
Check that the text makes sense, correcting themselves when meaning is lost.
Make plausible predictions about what might happen based on what has been read so far.
Summarise main ideas, providing key details.
Retrieve information from non-fiction texts.
Draw inferences and justify their opinions through discussions.
Make links between the book they are reading and other books they have read.

Years 5 & 6

Read age-appropriate books with confidence and fluency, including whole novels.
Read aloud with intonation that demonstrates understanding.
Work out the meaning of words from context.
Explain and discuss their understanding of what they have read, drawing inferences and justifying these with evidence.
Predict what might happen from details stated and implied.
Retrieve information from non-fiction texts.
Summarise main ideas, identifying key details and using quotations for illustration.
Evaluate how authors use language, including figurative language, and consider the impact on the reader.
Make comparisons within and across books.

Impact

How does learning prepare children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life?

1. Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Through the VIPERS framework, children learn to analyse texts, draw inferences, and make connections. These critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving and decision-making in everyday life, helping them navigate complex situations with confidence.

2. Fostering a Love for Lifelong Learning

By exposing children to a diverse range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, the curriculum nurtures a love for reading. This appreciation for literature encourages a habit of lifelong learning, essential for personal and professional growth in an ever-changing world.

3. Enhancing Communication Skills

Reading comprehension and discussion activities promote effective communication skills, allowing children to express their thoughts and opinions clearly and respectfully. Strong communication skills are vital for success in any career and for building relationships in personal life.

4. Encouraging Empathy and Cultural Awareness

Through exposure to various genres and perspectives, children develop empathy and an understanding of diverse cultures. This awareness is crucial in a globalised world, enabling them to relate to others and navigate social situations with sensitivity and respect.

5. Building Resilience and Perseverance

The reading curriculum emphasises the importance of perseverance when tackling challenging texts. This resilience prepares children to face difficulties in life, encouraging them to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

6. Supporting Academic and Career Success

Strong reading skills are foundational for academic achievement across subjects. Proficiency in reading enhances understanding of complex texts, which is essential in higher education and various career paths. Our curriculum helps children develop the necessary skills to excel academically and professionally.

7. Instilling Ethical and Moral Values

Discussions around texts often incorporate themes of ethics and morality, encouraging children to reflect on their values and beliefs. This critical engagement helps them make informed choices and take responsibility for their actions in society.

8. Preparing for Social Responsibilities

Reading about different perspectives and experiences helps children understand their roles within their communities. This understanding fosters a sense of social responsibility, encouraging them to engage actively and positively in society.

9. Providing Tools for Future Learning

The skills gained through the reading curriculum—such as summarizing information, evaluating sources, and working collaboratively—are transferable to various contexts, preparing children for future academic pursuits and professional environments.

Holistic development

What are the planned opportunities for developing English, Mathematics, oracy and SMSC?

Throughout all levels of reading, the children are encouraged to read the text for meaning to ensure that it is understood. This means that texts are read with sufficient prosody through the practice of fluency and expression.

Pupils read a rich variety of texts by leading children’s authors and explore these texts in depth through a wealth of engaging activities. This ensures that all children develop deep comprehension.

We ensure that the texts our children read come from a variety of contexts and are rich in diversity. Discussions of history, context, and vocabulary are vital elements in developing our children’s deeper understanding, supporting them in becoming assertive, compassionate, and understanding individuals in the wider world around them.

Reading is celebrated and shared, ensuring that children read for pleasure as well as to develop their reading skills.

How are SEND children supported in Reading?

What are the planned opportunities for personalisation, including SEN more able pupils and disadvantaged?

The reading curriculum at Lanchester Primary School is designed to provide personalised learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), more able students, and disadvantaged learners.

1. Differentiated Instruction

Tailored Reading Materials: Teachers select texts that are appropriately challenging for different ability levels, ensuring that all children, regardless of their reading proficiency, can engage meaningfully with the material.
Flexible Grouping: Students are grouped by their reading levels and interests, allowing for targeted instruction that meets their specific needs and promotes collaboration.

2. Individualised Support

SEN Support: Children with SEN receive additional support through personalised reading interventions, including one-on-one reading sessions, access to specialised resources, and the use of assistive technologies to aid comprehension and fluency.
Targeted Strategies: Teachers implement specific strategies such as visual aids, graphic organisers, and reading buddies to support students with diverse learning needs.

3. Enrichment Opportunities for More Able Pupils

Advanced Text Selection: More able readers are provided with challenging texts that stimulate critical thinking and encourage deeper analysis. They may also explore texts from a variety of genres and cultures to broaden their literary exposure.
Independent Projects: Opportunities for independent research or creative projects related to their reading allow advanced students to explore topics of interest in greater depth.

4. Engagement and Motivation for Disadvantaged Pupils

Access to Resources: We ensure that all students have access to a wide range of reading materials, including books, audiobooks, and digital resources, to eliminate barriers to reading for disadvantaged pupils.
Reading for Pleasure Initiatives: Programs that promote reading for enjoyment, such as book clubs, author visits, and themed reading events, help foster a positive reading culture and encourage engagement among all students, particularly those who may lack motivation.

5. Continuous Assessment and Feedback

Formative Assessment: Regular assessments and feedback help identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, allowing teachers to adjust instruction and support accordingly.
Personalised Learning Goals: Each student is encouraged to set personal reading goals based on their interests and abilities, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning.

6. Collaborative Learning Experiences

Peer Tutoring: More able pupils can mentor peers who may struggle with reading, promoting a collaborative learning environment where students support each other’s growth.

Inclusive Discussions: Class discussions are designed to include all learners, allowing students to share their thoughts and perspectives, fostering respect for diverse viewpoints

Social, emotional and mental health support

Lanchester Primary School’s reading curriculum is designed to enhance the social, emotional, and mental well-being of pupils through various strategies:

1. Positive Reading Environment

Welcoming Spaces: Classrooms feature reading areas that encourage exploration and foster a sense of security.
Celebrating Reading: Events like book fairs and author visits build community around reading, promoting excitement and connection.

2. Empathy and Understanding

Diverse Texts: A wide selection of books representing different cultures and experiences helps children develop empathy and relate to others.
Thematic Discussions: Exploring themes like friendship and resilience allows students to process their emotions and social dynamics.

3. Self-Expression and Reflection

Creative Activities: Journaling and creative writing enable children to express their thoughts and feelings, enhancing emotional literacy.
Group Discussions: Book clubs foster communication and social interaction, allowing students to share their insights and emotions.

4. Resilience and Growth Mindset

Embracing Challenges: The curriculum teaches that reading difficulties can be overcome with practice, promoting resilience and a positive attitude towards setbacks.
Personal Goals: Setting individual reading goals encourages ownership of progress and boosts confidence.

5. Peer Support and Community

Collaborative Reading: Programs like paired reading promote social interaction and friendship while engaging with texts.

Building Belonging: Group projects and discussions foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.