Reading at Cardinal Wiseman

At Cardinal Wiseman we promote reading at every opportunity. The relationship between reading and attainment are well known and this is why we have a bespoke programme in place for every student in our care. Whether your child is a beginning reader or one who actively reads for pleasure at every opportunity, our programmes ensure the appropriate levels of challenge and support are in place to help make them become the very best reader that they can be.

To encourage this, we have a dedicated 30-minute reading period at the end of the day from Monday to Thursday for all our students in Years 7-10. During this time your child will follow a personalised programme appropriate to their ability.

Our programmes include:

• Independent Reading; students choose their own reading matter whilst being supported and guided by teaching staff and the librarians
• Reciprocal reading; a centrally-selected fiction or non-fiction text will be analysed in depth by the whole class using prediction, questioning, clarification and summary
• Whole-Class reading; an age and stage appropriate text will be selected for the group to read together for enjoyment
• Literacy Progress Units; an intensive series of lessons to boost literacy levels of students with reading ages lower than their chronological ages
• Lexia; a computer-based programme which helps with the development of oral language, reading, spelling, and writing skills
• Read Write Fresh Start; a phonics-based programme delivered by specially trained staff in small groups to help with students who need more intensive support to raise their reading age

In addition, we have Accelerated Reader for all students in Years 7-10 which ensures that students have a choice of books to read for pleasure whilst containing appropriate levels of stretch and challenge to improve their reading age and ability. Students complete a quiz for each book that they read and will be tested twice annually to ensure that they are progressing and to highlight where they may need support in their reading.

Homework Booklets for Year7-9 students require them to complete 12 book reviews (of which 6 should be non-fiction) per academic year and guidance is included to prompt them as they write.

Our Library is well stocked and staffed by qualified librarians who can help and guide your children to select books to broaden their reading experience.

We also encourage parents to ensure that their children join the Central and local libraries to broaden their access to appropriate reading material and ensure that they read for at least 20 minutes per day when they are at home.