What do we do?

At Wightwick Hall School we aim to foster a love of reading amongst all of our pupils and pathways. During a daily small group reading session, our students are given the opportunity to access books and reading through a range of activities adapted to their individual needs.

How do we do it?

Guided Reading Groups

Our more fluent, independent readers will take part in daily guided reading sessions each morning, focussing on introducing them to a wide range of literature and types of genre as well as developing their fluency, comprehension and oracy confidence. These teacher-led sessions build essential skills in vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, and summarisation. Pupils will be given time to enjoy books chosen from the library, reading silently or aloud to a member of staff. Class teachers make reading time a positive experience with comfortable, sensory-friendly reading areas and calming music. Many of our pupils enjoy using this session as a peaceful transition into the school day.

RWI Phonics

Our emerging readers who require phonics, take part in daily RWI phonics lessons. These students follow the RWI: Fresh Start scheme. This incorporates the systemic teaching of explicit phonics knowledge, and age-appropriate comprehension materials to develop their reading abilities. Students are assessed each half term and placed in the appropriate group. Staff delivering phonics follow the programme as directed in the RWI: Fresh Start Phonics handbook, and students’ progress through various modules as their reading abilities develop. Modules focus on learning to read different sounds, reading comprehension and spelling. Our phonics lessons are accessible to all pupils, with pupils in our sensory pathway, Discoverers, supplementing RWI with sensory opportunities, visual stimuli and activities that reinforce their learning in a personalised, meaningful way.

Why do we do it?

Our consistent, whole school approach to reading ensures that all of our learners are better prepared for academic success and lifelong literacy. Reading is embedded across the curriculum and linked to Preparing for Adulthood goals. Teaching our sixth formers to access bus timetables, send an email or make an appointment sets them up for independence later in life. Unlocking a pupil’s reading potential opens so many doors and opportunities. Here at Wightwick, we love being part of that journey.