Reading
The gateway to wider learning is underpinned through reading, disciplinary literacy and explicit vocabulary teaching and, for this reason, literacy is at the heart of our curriculum. Accurate and ambitious written and spoken expressions, combined with precise SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and a wide and varied vocabulary are integral to allowing all our students to develop their God-given talents. In their research, the National Literacy Trust highlights the shocking consequences that low literacy skills can have on society:
“People with poor literacy skills are more likely to be unemployed, have low incomes and poor health behaviours, which in turn can be linked to lower life expectancy.”
At Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College, we believe achievement is for all. We do not want any of our family to be negatively affected by low levels of literacy, resulting in them not being able to achieve and excel both spiritually and academically. Therefore, our literacy curriculum has been carefully crafted to empower our students ensuring they can continue their journey of faith in school and beyond.
We promote a love of reading by introducing students to a wide range of genres, texts and authors which reflect our Catholic Social Teachings and allow students to reflect and nurture their own faiths and values.
Oracy and written opportunities within the curriculum ensure students develop effective communication skills whilst respecting other perspectives and the dignity of the human person.
Finally, targeted vocabulary is explicitly taught within each department, which in turn gives students the opportunity to foster their critical thinking within each domain. Students can then critically engage with texts and discussions in order that they can work towards social justice and commit to the common good.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss
Brenda the Vendor is our fully stocked book vending machine that students can win tokens for when going above and beyond in all things reading.
Reading in the Community:
Some of our lovely students will read to the residents of the local care home.
Tiered Intervention
- BTHCC Reads across the Curriculum
- Literacy Provision
- SEND Provision
Recommended Reads:
Staff wear their ‘recommended reads’ on lanyards to facilitate discussion surrounding their favourite texts
Together for Good: BTHCC Reads
Students read an exciting extract each week and discuss plot and predictions to inspire a love of reading.
World Book Day:
Each year staff will dress up as their favourite book characters and participate in ‘classroom storms’, where they will read an extract from their favourite book.