Term 1- Reading

Reading at home

Research has shown that reading is critical to children’s ability to retain information, build vocabulary and develop critical thinking skills

It is recommended that children read 20 minutes a day at home. The graphic shows that students who read for 20 minutes per day outperform their peers in standardised tests and have access to a vast vocabulary.
Students who read for pleasure are not only more likely to succeed in school. Studies show that that reading for pleasure enhances empathy, understanding of the self, and the ability to understand one’s own and others’ identities.

Our LRC is open daily and students in KS3 are all provided a timetabled lesson to allow them to read age appropriate books but we would like to work with you to bring more reading into the home.
If you would like to support your child with reading this year we recommend the following books which are chosen to be pleasurable and educational.

Our top picks for Key Stage 3:

Chinese Cinderella –Adeline Yen Mah

A true story of resilience shown by a girl growing up in China during the second world war. Adeline is blamed for causing the death of her mother after childbirth and considered to be bad luck.  Her wealthy father remarries and his dominating wife treats the children harshly. Adeline struggles to find a place she belongs but her love of reading helps her flourish. 
A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness
The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. The monster in his back garden, though, this monster is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.
A Beautiful and captivating story teaching how the most difficult battles can come from within. 

Twelve minutes to midnight – Christopher Edge

A story about a plucky orphan heiress set in Victorian Britain who receives a letter from the governor of the Bedlam madhouse which sends her on an enthralling and terrifying adventure.  A rollercoaster read which is part of a gripping series.

Our top picks for Key stage 4:

Thirteen reasons why – Jay Asher

You can’t stop the future. You can’t rewind the past.The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.
This novel is the story of a high school student who has committed suicide following betrayal and bullying. Before ending her life she produced an audio diary explaining the thirteen reasons why she took such drastic action. Hannah’s experience really highlights the importance of compassion and the impact of our actions towards others.

The magicians guild – Trudi Canavan

Enter a world of magic and intrigue. Sonea is a young girl who is frustrated by the oppression she has faced growing up and when the Magicians come to purge the streets of urchins and vagabonds she lashes out – unleashing an unexpected magical attack. As her uncontrolled powers grow there is a danger she will unleash a force which is a threat to the city
The Stand – Stephen King
A truly epic novel set in an apocalyptic world which has been blasted by plague and unrest causing 99% of the population to die. The survivors face a battle of good and evil at a time where chaos reigns, society is collapsing and widespread violence threatens the extinction of humanity. Although this is a longer book then students may be used to reading, it is fast paced and exciting.