We take a rigorous approach to the teaching of reading at New Town.  Developing accurate decoding and great comprehension skills allow children to access a wider curriculum, and the world around them.  Reading opens doors and is something we hope our pupils find both enjoyable and useful.

In the early years and Key Stage One, we teach reading though a synthetic phonics scheme called Read, Write Inc.  This is a widely used programme with proven results, and helps children learn their sounds through a very carefully structured lesson each day.  

When children make good progress and pass the phonics screening check at the end of Year One, they will then be able to move towards using our Accelerated Reader program which runs all the way up to Year Six.  This focusses on ensuring all their reading books are carefully matched to ability, and provides regular quizzes to test comprehension and understanding.  This helps children to make good progress through the school.

We ask that parents read at least three times at home each week with their children.  It is a great habit to do this every night, and the more you can hear them read, if only for 5 minutes each day, the faster they will learn to read.  There are reading opportunities everywhere and reading need not be limited to the books they bring home.  Reading magazines or newspapers, their own books, road signs, comics or recipes can also be great ways for children to see how useful and enjoyable reading can be.

Below are some tips for helping with reading, how we do reading at New Town and some useful recommended book lists for each phase.  If you have any questions, please do speak to your child's class teacher who will be more than happy to help.