Reading

At HJPS we foster a love of reading. The National Curriculum is structured so that pupils access wide range of quality non-fiction and fictional texts each term.

Teachers and parent helpers hear pupils read regularly, asking them a range of questions about the passages they have read. Regular Guided Reading sessions allow pupils to discuss and analyse texts in more depth, opportunities for independent reading as well as hearing quality texts read aloud every day, which are essential components. This is because they offer the range of opportunities needed to develop fluent, enthusiastic and critical readers.

In Key Stage I, children are encouraged to apply their phonic knowledge to their reading of new or unfamiliar words. As well as the teaching of phonics, there is also a focus on comprehension and reading for enjoyment.  Children follow the Essential Letters and Sounds Oxford Reading Scheme, which contains a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Using the scheme, teachers can assess pupils’ reading and retelling strategies, as well as their understanding of the storyline.