Reading

At Northdown Primary School, reading is at the core of everything we do. We believe it is the most vital skill we can teach our children as strong reading abilities unlock a lifetime of learning and opportunity. Reading lies at the heart of our curriculum, and our ambition for every child is the same: to become a confident, capable reader.

We foster reading through phonics, cultivating a love of stories, teaching children to question and explore the texts they encounter, and prioritizing reading as our top focus in school.

By the time our pupils leave Northdown, our aim is that they are fluent and accurate readers who not only comprehend and enjoy texts but also engage with them imaginatively and critically. They confidently respond to a wide range of literature, ask insightful questions and use reading as a tool to enhance learning across the curriculum. Along the way, they develop an extensive vocabulary and excellent communication skills, preparing them for future academic success.

Our teachers champion a love of reading by sharing high-quality texts with their classes daily, enjoying poetry, and celebrating their favourite books with enthusiasm. To ensure every child is exposed to a diverse range of literature and authors, our carefully sequencing reading spine maps out the books they will encounter, giving them the best possible foundation by the time they leave Year 6.

At Northdown, our teachers are passionate about reading and skilled at recommending books, fully understanding the transformative power of literature to enrich and inspire young lives.