Reading Intent Statement

Reading is the cornerstone of the Westminster Primary School curriculum, serving as the foundation upon which all other subjects build. It is through reading that students gain access to the vast world of knowledge, develop language proficiency, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning. Our reading curriculum aspires to foster confident, fluent readers who can comprehend and engage with a wide range of texts from a diverse set of authors. We aim to inspire students to become critical thinkers, reflective readers, and creative individuals who appreciate the power of stories and information. Reading is a vital skill that extends beyond the classroom, connecting students to real-world experiences and future learning opportunities. The ability to read critically and with understanding is essential for success in all academic areas and is a key competency for active citizenship and lifelong learning.

Our curriculum is designed to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. Starting at the earliest age, we master the phonics skills of decoding and blending before developing each child’s reading fluency and comprehension. Our teachers provide scaffolded instruction and a variety of reading materials that reflect the backgrounds, interests, and abilities of our students, ensuring that every child can see themselves as a successful reader. We employ a range of strategies to make reading enjoyable and engaging, including methods such as echo-reading and choral reading. By offering a rich variety of texts, we nurture students' curiosity and encourage a love of reading. Our curriculum is designed to close the reading achievement gap by providing targeted support to those who need it, including additional resources and one-on-one interventions.

Across the key stages, pupils explore a diverse array of literary genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Key concepts such as theme, character development, and author’s purpose are introduced and revisited, deepening students’ understanding as they progress through curriculum. Pupils will develop critical reading skills, including comprehension, analysis, inference, and evaluation. They will also enhance their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly in both oral and written forms. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that students build on prior knowledge and skills year after year. This progression supports a deepening understanding of complex texts and concepts, preparing students for the challenges of secondary education.

Our teaching strategies include a blend of direct instruction and independent reading activities. These experiences are designed to build comprehension, engage pupils in discussion, and encourage a personal connection to the texts. Assessment is ongoing and includes formative assessments, such as observation and quizzes, as well as summative assessments at the end of each term. Feedback from assessments is used to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs and to inform parents and carers of their child’s progress.

Westminster pupils have the opportunity to participate in author visits, book fairs, and reading clubs, as well as visits to the school and local libraries. These activities are designed to broaden their understanding and appreciation of literature and the world around them. Parents are encouraged to be active partners in their children’s reading journey. We offer workshops each year to promote strategies to help parents support reading at home, and we maintain open lines of communication with parents through regular updates on their child’s progress via parents’ evenings.

Our reading curriculum prepares students for future learning by equipping them with the skills necessary to tackle more complex texts and to engage in higher-level critical thinking. This foundation is crucial for success in secondary education and beyond.

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