Reading
Literacy and Reading
Unlocking Success Through Literacy
At Pakefield High School, we believe that literacy is the foundation of learning. Strong reading, writing, speaking and communication skills open doors to success across every subject and prepare young people for life beyond the classroom. Literacy is not confined to English lessons; it is developed and valued across the entire curriculum and is a key part of our commitment to ensuring every student achieves their potential.
Our aim is to develop confident readers, effective communicators and skilled writers who can access challenging texts, express their ideas clearly and engage successfully with the world around them. Through a whole-school approach, students build the literacy skills that support success both in school and beyond.
Creating a Culture of Reading
We are passionate about developing lifelong readers. We believe that reading is one of the most powerful ways to improve academic achievement, broaden horizons and develop curiosity about the world.
Every tutor group participates in dedicated reading sessions during form time each week. These sessions provide students with regular opportunities to read high-quality texts, improve fluency and comprehension, and explore new ideas, experiences and perspectives. Reading together helps to foster a culture where books, stories and knowledge are celebrated across the school community.
Our aim is not only to improve reading ability but also to help students discover the enjoyment and confidence that comes from reading regularly.
Literacy Across the Curriculum
Every teacher is a teacher of literacy.
Across all subjects, students are taught the specific reading, writing and communication skills needed for success within different disciplines. Whether analysing historical sources, evaluating scientific explanations, interpreting geographical data or constructing persuasive arguments, students learn how literacy supports learning in every area of the curriculum.
Teachers explicitly teach:
- Subject-specific vocabulary
- Reading and comprehension strategies
- Extended writing skills
- Academic communication
- Speaking and listening skills
This consistent approach helps students become confident learners who can engage successfully with increasingly complex ideas and texts.
Building Vocabulary Through Bedrock Learning
A rich vocabulary is one of the strongest foundations for academic success. Students who understand and use ambitious vocabulary are better able to access challenging texts, communicate effectively and succeed across the curriculum.
To support this, all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 take part in Bedrock Learning as part of our whole-school literacy programme. Bedrock is an online learning platform that helps students develop vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing skills through carefully sequenced learning activities.
Through regular Bedrock study, students:
- Develop a wider academic vocabulary
- Improve reading comprehension
- Strengthen writing skills
- Build confidence when tackling challenging texts
- Reinforce literacy learning from lessons
Combined with classroom teaching and form-time reading, Bedrock ensures that literacy development is a consistent and visible part of every student's educational journey.
Developing Confident Communicators
Communication is an essential life skill. Students are regularly encouraged to discuss ideas, explain their reasoning, participate in debates and present their views in a range of contexts.
Through structured discussion and high-quality questioning, students learn how to listen carefully, think critically and communicate with confidence and respect. These opportunities help develop articulate young people who can express themselves effectively in both academic and real-world situations.
Supporting Every Reader
Students develop literacy skills at different rates, and we are committed to providing the support required for every young person to succeed.
Reading age assessments help us identify students who may require additional support. Where needed, targeted interventions and specialist programmes, including Lexia, are used to help students improve reading fluency, comprehension and confidence. These interventions ensure that barriers to learning are addressed quickly and effectively.
Reading for Pleasure
We want students to leave Pakefield not only as capable readers but as enthusiastic readers.
Through form-time reading, reading challenges, student reading champions and carefully selected texts, we actively encourage students to read for enjoyment. Developing a love of reading enriches vocabulary, improves academic performance and helps students become thoughtful, informed and curious individuals.
Work Hard to become a confident reader and communicator.
Show Respect through thoughtful discussion and active listening.
Take Part in reading opportunities that broaden horizons and inspire curiosity.
Through our commitment to literacy and reading, we equip every student with the knowledge, confidence and communication skills they need to succeed at Pakefield High School and beyond.
Literacy Strategy
Our Literacy Strategy outlines our expectations, and specific strategies to ensure that every teacher is a teacher of literacy and that every student is supported to become a confident, capable communicator. Our approach is guided by the EEF to develop students’ reading, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills.
