Reading
Curriculum Intent
The reading curriculum at Thoresby Primary School covers all aspects of the EYFS framework and the National Curriculum.
Reading is given the highest priority as we believe it is important that children learn to read fluently as quickly as possible. Fluent readers will learn more in all subject areas.
Our aim is to create a love of reading for all our children, not just during their school years but also throughout their life. During their time at Thoresby, all children have had many opportunities to share and read a broad range of high-quality literature. Our classrooms celebrate and encourage a love of reading with attractive book corners and library areas. All children take home ‘reading for pleasure’ books to share with adults.
Children arrive at Thoresby at all stages in their education and from every area of the world. We have a clearly defined reading curriculum pathway that ensures they are swiftly assessed to establish their bespoke needs. Our reading curriculum ensures that by the time they leave us, Thoresby pupils ;
– have a pleasure in reading and understand books they can already read and can participate in discussions about
– can explain their understanding of the books they have read
– can apply their phonic knowledge and skills and read accurately
– Have positive attitudes towards reading
– Evaluate what they have read, including more detailed discussions around use of language, statements of fact and opinions and discussions about books justifying their views.
Implementation
Phonics
We follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme which is a DfE validated complete systematic, synthetic phonics programme (SSP). Little Wandle works in close partnership with Harper Collins who publish fully decodable books directly matching the sounds the children have been taught.
Early readers have daily phonic lessons at Thoresby. These include focused adult-led sessions revising and introducing new sounds giving children a chance to apply their phonic knowledge and skills reading decodable, matched texts. Additional reading sessions are built into the weekly timetable where children will practise decoding, fluency and develop comprehension strategies.
Once children are secure in their phonic knowledge, they progress to a broader range of individual reading books. These are carefully selected to build reading stamina and cover a wide range of genres.
The Thoresby wider reading curriculum
All year groups study key texts. These have been selected so that, over time, all children have had an opportunity to study the work of significant children’s authors and have been exposed to rich literature.
Reading lessons focus on improving comprehension strategies and study in greater depth the fundamental aspects of literary study such as character, plot, and setting. In lessons with our younger pupils, the focus is on developing a love of reading. Our key texts are often used as a stimulus for the writing curriculum and as a meaningful link to study other genres.
Thoresby management team ensure that the school is inclusive and forward thinking. I have always been impressed by the way this school is run and continue to be – especially their dedication to child protection and wellbeing programmes.
My son and daughter are both very happy at Thoresby. The staff are approachable and helpful and the children are offered a good variety of different opportunities.
It has a really supportive, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It is inclusive and family orientated.
Everybody is welcome at Thoresby.
Thoresby has been brilliant for my boys, really supportive and encouraging.
Thoresby helps us to learn that we are all unique and special in our own way.
We are very happy with Thoresby, lovely staff and teachers.
Thoresby is a brilliant school and my kids love coming here.
My children are very happy at school.
Excellent communication from the school. Amiable, knowledgeable and caring staff. A strong school with an impressive ethos.
Thoresby gives me the opportunity to have a great education. The topics are great!
I think Thoresby is a very good school. My boys always enjoy coming to school. The teachers are very helpful ad friendly.
We love Thoresby. Both of our girls go there and have had a fantastic time. It is very supportive and nurturing.
Thoresby is a special place.
I feel the school is a blessing for parents who have the opportunity to send their kids here as they provide the best education and pastoral care possible.
Our daughter started Thoresby in September 2018 – she has grown in confidence and the support from her teachers is constant. We are very happy with everything the school offers and provides.
All three of my children have been taught at Thoresby with my youngest leaving this year. I have fond memories of Thoresby over the years and found staff helpful and very supportive.
We are lucky to have Kaleidoscope every year! We learn so much and everyone comes together for a celebration.
Exceptional! So supportive. Staff go above and beyond for both of my children and it is much appreciated.
The teachers are supportive, honest and provide help and encouragement to all needs of the children and parents.
My daughter really loves going to Thoresby. She is doing brilliantly and I am beyond grateful that she goes to such a good school.
My daughter is making great progress at Thoresby. Overall I am very pleased with every aspect.
My daughter enjoys all aspects of school life, she involves herself in many activities and represents the school in various team sports. We are pleased with all her progress.
Thoresby gives me the opportunity to have a great education. The topics are great!
Thoresby gives me the opportunity to have a great education. The topics are great!
Both of my daughters have thrived since coming to Thoresby. I am so pleased with their progress.
I adore the nursery and the different learning areas. I really appreciate the kitchen making specials treats and meals for children with allergies.
Thoresby is an amazing school and the best aspect of the school are the brilliant selfless teachers who put the children at the forefront of everything.
My daughter has had a fantastic education at Thoresby and her teachers have supported her emotional development as well.
Our son is absolutely thriving at Thoresby. He has really got on well with his teachers and enjoyed lessons. If asked he would say the dinners are best but his progress speaks for itself. Thank you.
My son has loved attending Thoresby. He takes the Thoresby values with him and has turned into a lovely boy. I know the school has contributed to him.
My daughter started in September and she has flourished. Not only in an academic sense but in terms of her social skills and her open-mindedness to others – it’s been a fantastic experience for her!
I am proud to be part of the Thoresby community.
Thoresby is amazing! Everyone is made to feel welcome and part of the community. I’m so happy that my son gets to attend this school.
Our son has been coming here for 8 years. He will be doing his SATs soon. He loves coming here and loves the food. He has so many friends and loves all his classes too. He gets on well with everybody and all his teachers have been brilliant with him. Thoresby is a good school.
Thoresby gives us opportunities to spend time with the coaches and develop our sports skills.
It’s a great school. My child is settled and any problems are dealt with quickly.
I think Thoresby is an amazing school. The teachers are approachable and my son loves school.
My daughter has been coming here since nursery and has always loved the school, she is doing really well in all her subjects and I couldn’t be happier with her progress.
I would like to say that both our children – daughter in year 4 and son in year 6, enjoy attending their lessons and their topics they are being taught.
Thorersby combines academics, crafts and sport to bring out the best in their students. Good Job!
The outside area is so much fun!
This school offers varied education in an environment with so many children from so many parts of the world, and do it very well you see happy smiling children every day! Hats off to this school!
The support from the teaching staff is very good and the pastoral care of our children, especially when needed for our son. Overall very positive.