Reading Rationale 

At St Michael with St John, our reading curriculum reflects the needs of our school community. The majority of our pupils have English as an additional language, so developing spoken language, vocabulary and reading is a high priority. We recognise that strong reading skills are essential for success in every area of learning and provide the foundation for effective communication, academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Our curriculum is designed in line with the National Curriculum for English and is enriched through carefully chosen, high-quality texts and meaningful learning experiences. Reading is taught explicitly through daily phonics, guided and whole-class reading, independent reading and cross-curricular opportunities, enabling pupils to apply and extend their developing knowledge and vocabulary.

We place a strong emphasis on language-rich classrooms, high expectations and the explicit teaching of vocabulary so that all pupils, particularly those new to English, can access learning successfully. Our immersive approach ensures that reading, speaking, listening and writing are closely connected, enabling pupils to develop confidence and independence as communicators.

Our Christian vision, rooted in the belief that 'with God all things are possible', shapes our approach to reading. Through our values of Nurture, Inspire, Achieve, we foster a culture where every child is supported to become a capable, enthusiastic and reflective reader who enjoys reading for both pleasure and purpose.