READING INITIATIVES

We decided to subscribe to Accelerated Reader as part of our literacy focus to encourage pupils with their reading. At the start of term, Ds took a STAR assessment during an English reading lesson. The STAR assessment includes a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts to read and it tests for information retrieval, inference and comprehension. The results of the test determine the pupil’s reading level and this information is checked by our English teachers and the librarian.

Pupils select a book from a range available in the library, e.g. classic fiction, contemporary fiction, teenage and young adult fiction, non-fiction. The books are labelled according to the AR reading range to assist pupils with selecting a book that is challenging and interesting to them. The librarian is available to assist with selection and the Library Catalogue can be searched according to AR Level, genre, author and title in the usual way.

Targets are set by teachers to encourage pupils to read and complete quizzes. The Librarian logs into AR for the day and assists pupils to ensure they can access the books they need and make choices according to their individualised reading targets. There is a Parent’s Guide to Accelerated Reader on the Library Catalogue News website at: https://uk.accessit.online/bry00/#!dashboard

It is essential that pupils spend at least twenty minutes a day reading. We timetable reading lessons in the library as well as providing a quiet area for study purposes. The Houses have dedicated reading time during the day, whether that is in second prep or at rest. Quiet spaces have been created in Houses and House Teams spend time with pupils reading and discussing books. Tutors talk to their pupils about  reading interests and they’ll receive AR training to enable them to access reading records.

There are many benefits to reading regularly, including reducing stress levels and good mental health and wellbeing. The author, Nicola Morgan, has written about the benefits of ‘reading for pleasure’ in her book, Positively Teenage and she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise on understanding teenagers. Please see Nicola Morgan’s website at: https://www.nicolamorgan.com/  

We have a number of reading initiatives, including the Bryanston Bronze/Silver/Gold/ Platinum Reading Passport to encourage reading in C, B and wider reading lists are available for the sixth form. We hosted and participated in the Wessex Amazing Book Award on 13 February and we are holding a Book Fair to celebrate World Book Day today (7 March) plus we shadow the CILIP Carnegie Book Award in the Summer Term.