According to the National Literacy Trust, in 2023, only 43% of children and young people aged between 8 and 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time. At One In A Million Free School we are working hard to instil a love of reading for our students.

Our library is now full of engaging and appropriate books for our students, including books chosen by our students. Our library has been designed to make it easier for our students to choose and find books. Our library showcases themed books (see our spooky Halloween display) and also displays books that are recommended by other students. 

To promote reading for pleasure across the school:

• Every KS3 student now has a reading book from the library that they bring to school every day
• We have a designated library lesson once a week for KS3 students
• Running at the same time as this, are our Phonics classes for students who require more support with their reading
• KS3 students receive a designated vocabulary lesson once a week where they use Bedrock Learning to support their literacy
• Any KS4 students who require additional support in their reading receive three Step Up To English lessons a week
• Y7 - Y10 Form Tutors read three times a week to their form. Each year group votes for a different book that they want to hear and read.
• Students that require additional support with their reading have 1:1 reading sessions with members of staff (including SLT) four times a week
• Selected students in KS3 who require additional support with their reading have a Y10 Reading Buddy who they read to twice a week
• Pupil Premium students in Y7 and Y8 received six Letterbox Parcels across the year which contained books and numeracy resources
• Our subject teachers also teach subject specific words (called Tier 3 words) in lessons.

This year we have also gifted all Year 7 and Year 8 students with a free book of their choice. Through the National Literacy Trust BookBuzz project, students have chosen a book from sixteen titles that were selected by experts. The books will be given to students next half term.

Please can we ask you to support your child in their reading and if possible read with your child, listen to them read their book to you or simply just ask them about their book. Another piece of research from the National Literacy Trust suggested that children are 40% more likely to enjoy reading if their parents do. So, if you would like to get in touch with school about supporting your child's reading or developing your own reading then please contact Mr. Coles (Vice Principal).

Happy Reading!