Promoting A Love of Reading

At Brierley Hill Primary School, reading sits at the centre of school life. We do not see it as a single subject, but as the key that unlocks learning across the curriculum. Our aim is for every child to become a fluent, confident reader who enjoys books and understands what they read.

Our Approach to Reading

Our reading curriculum is carefully structured and built on research. Skills are taught progressively, so that children develop accuracy, fluency and secure comprehension over time.

Reading is embedded across all subjects. High-quality texts support learning in history, geography, science and beyond. We place strong emphasis on discussion, encouraging pupils to talk about what they have read, explain their thinking and listen to different viewpoints. Key skills are revisited regularly so that learning is remembered and applied with confidence.

The books we choose also link closely to the wider themes in our curriculum, including migration, resilience, friendship, British heritage and the natural world.

Developing Fluent Readers

In the early years and Key Stage 1, children follow the Little Wandle phonics programme. This systematic approach gives them the knowledge and confidence to decode words accurately and read with fluency.

As pupils move through the school, the focus shifts towards deeper understanding. They are taught how to:

• Infer meaning from what is implied.

• Predict using evidence from the text.

• Retrieve key information.

• Explain the effect of language and structure.

• Evaluate ideas and justify their opinions.

Reading aloud remains important. Pupils regularly read to their peers, take part in performance and share book reviews. These opportunities build confidence and help develop clear expression.

Vocabulary is taught explicitly in every lesson. New words are explained, revisited and used in discussion so that pupils can speak and write with increasing precision.

Promoting a Love of Reading

We want reading to be a natural and enjoyable part of everyday school life.

We recently developed our Libraries to create a welcoming and engaging space for children to explore books. Every classroom has a dedicated reading area designed to encourage independent reading and conversation about books.

Teachers actively promote reading. From book recommendation displays to whole-school reading events, staff share their enthusiasm and encourage pupils to try new authors and genres.

Daily Reading Opportunities

Children read every day in a range of ways:

• Whole-class reading sessions focused on high-quality texts.

• Guided reading in small groups.

• Independent reading time.

• Reading activities linked to other curriculum subjects.

This consistent approach ensures that reading remains central to learning.

Reading Beyond the Classroom

We run a range of initiatives to keep reading visible and valued. These include an Author of the Month focus, pupil librarians and themed events such as World Book Day and storytelling assemblies. We also offer workshops and guidance to support families in developing reading at home.

High-Quality Texts for Every Child

Our reading spine has been carefully selected to provide a broad and balanced range of literature. Pupils encounter classic and contemporary fiction, poetry, performance texts and non-fiction. Books are chosen to extend vocabulary, develop understanding and reflect a wide range of cultures and perspectives.

Through these texts, pupils explore themes such as resilience, kindness, identity and responsibility. They learn to think critically about what they read and to express their views clearly.

Our Aim

We want every child to leave Brierley Hill Primary School:

• Enjoying books and reading for pleasure.

• Able to understand and analyse a wide range of texts.

• Confident in discussing and explaining their ideas.

By combining strong teaching, carefully chosen literature and a culture that values reading, we ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed.

For more information about our reading curriculum, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierley.dudley.sch.uk.