Welcome to Falmouth School's Reading Strategy.
At Falmouth School, we recognize the crucial role that reading plays in a young person's success and happiness. Sadly, there exists a 'reading gap' among young people in the United Kingdom, with some enjoying a rich reading experience while others face challenges in accessing books. Research from the National Literacy Trust highlights the disparity, revealing that as few as 1 in 8 disadvantaged students own a book. Additionally, in 2019, only 73% of students leaving primary school reached their expected levels for reading. This gap significantly hampers students' ability to access the secondary school curriculum, contributing to a broader educational divide.
Our Commitment to Literacy
Falmouth School is committed to supporting all students, irrespective of their background, in accessing the enriching opportunities that come with being a confident reader. To achieve this, we have implemented various schemes and initiatives to promote both disciplinary reading for information and reading for pleasure.
Our Reading Initiatives
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Tutor Reading:
- Students in Years 7-10 engage in reading every morning during tutor time. Carefully selected books from the PiXL Canon are read aloud, igniting a passion for reading and modeling pronunciation. This initiative also provides opportunities to explain vocabulary and promotes wider cultural capital.
- Students in Years 7-10 engage in reading every morning during tutor time. Carefully selected books from the PiXL Canon are read aloud, igniting a passion for reading and modeling pronunciation. This initiative also provides opportunities to explain vocabulary and promotes wider cultural capital.
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Library Lessons:
- Key Stage 3 students enjoy dedicated library lessons in our expansive and well-resourced library. Supervised by literacy specialists, students have dedicated time to access books and engage with reading at a level appropriate to them.
- Key Stage 3 students enjoy dedicated library lessons in our expansive and well-resourced library. Supervised by literacy specialists, students have dedicated time to access books and engage with reading at a level appropriate to them.
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Explicit Vocabulary Instruction:
- Teachers in various subject disciplines plan for learning opportunities around reading. The use of 'Popcorn Reading' encourages collaborative reading, and teachers explain tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary within lessons.
- Teachers in various subject disciplines plan for learning opportunities around reading. The use of 'Popcorn Reading' encourages collaborative reading, and teachers explain tier 2 and tier 3 vocabulary within lessons.
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Reading Intervention:
- Falmouth School utilizes 'Reading Plus' software to assess students' reading abilities, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This sophisticated package assesses fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary levels, enabling our literacy team to provide targeted support during tutor time reading intervention slots and in-lesson support.
Looking Ahead
While these initiatives mark our commitment to fostering a love of reading, we are continually exploring new ways to inspire future generations of readers. Stay tuned for updates on our evolving reading programs.
At Falmouth School, we believe in empowering every student to become a confident and enthusiastic reader, opening doors to a world of knowledge and possibilities.
Explore the World of Reading with Falmouth School's Exciting Reading Competitions
At Falmouth School, we believe in nurturing a love for reading that goes beyond the pages of textbooks. To encourage our students to embark on literary adventures, we host three captivating reading competitions that not only inspire a passion for books but also offer enticing rewards.
1. Alphabet Challenge: A Journey through Fiction
The Alphabet Challenge invites students to dive into the rich world of fiction by reading novels from authors whose names start with each letter of the alphabet. This engaging competition encourages participants to explore a diverse range of authors, genres, and storytelling styles. As students progress through the alphabet, they earn exciting prizes, creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their reading journey. The Library Lessons serve as a platform to share progress, creating a supportive community of fellow readers.
2. 'Read a Theme' Challenge: A Literary Adventure Across Genres
In the 'Read a Theme' Challenge, students embark on a literary adventure by exploring three books from different genres. Whether it's the captivating world of romance, the thrilling realms of adventure, or the light-hearted humor that tickles their fancy, participants get to experience the diverse tapestry of literature. Upon successful completion, students are rewarded with a free book of their choice, adding a personal touch to their reading collection.
3. Non-Fiction Challenge: Uncover the Wonders of the Real World
For those who have a keen interest in the real world, the Non-Fiction Challenge awaits. Students are presented with a curated list of non-fiction books covering intriguing topics such as food, transport, and travel. By reading four books from this selection, participants not only gain valuable knowledge but also earn a free book of their choice as a reward for their intellectual curiosity.
These reading competitions are not just about winning prizes; they are about fostering a lifelong love for reading, expanding horizons, and building a community of enthusiastic readers. The challenges are designed to cater to different interests and preferences, ensuring that every student can find a competition that resonates with them.
So, whether you're captivated by fiction, eager to explore various genres, or fascinated by the wonders of the real world, Falmouth School's reading competitions offer an exciting journey through the world of literature.