Ruskin Academy - Reading

At Lion our focus on a language-rich curriculum means that reading is never just limited to reading lessons.

Reading at Lion extends far beyond dedicated reading lessons, permeating every subject we teach with the primary aim of inspiring a genuine love of reading in all children. Through carefully planned and sequenced lessons within our ambitious curriculum, we create meaningful connections that help pupils see reading as an integral part of their entire learning journey.

Our systematic approach begins with foundational word reading, phonics, and early language acquisition for emerging readers, then progressively develops sophisticated comprehension skills throughout the key stages using a wide range of carefully selected texts. These diverse texts span fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and subject-specific materials, enabling pupils to make rich connections across curriculum topics while developing critical thinking skills.

Central to this methodology is our focus on assessment proficiency, which empowers pupils to discuss, debate, and engage meaningfully with texts from different subjects, drawing links between their historical studies, scientific investigations, mathematical reasoning, and creative endeavors.

Children are introduced to concepts in reading that form the basis of the National curriculum.

These are:

Reading 1 v2

Reading 2 v3

At Lion our focus on a language-rich curriculum means that Reading is never just limited to Reading lessons. It is essential In every subject we teach and is always about inspiring children to develop a love of Reading. It starts with word reading, phonics and early language acquisition when children are just starting to develop reading ability. More complex comprehension skills are then developed through the key stages. As always, our key focus on Assessment Proficiency enables children to discuss, debate and engage with texts in a range of meaningful ways.

Nick Kingsnorth
Head of School, Ruskin Academy