The Importance of Reading

“READING IS AN EXERCISE IN EMPATHY; AN EXERCISE IN WALKING IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES FOR A WHILE.” - MALORIE BLACKMAN

AT THE MARVELL COLLEGE, PUPILS ARE GIVEN REGULAR OPPORTUNITIES BEFORE THE START OF THE DAY IN FORM TIME TO BOTH BUILD READING FLUENCY AND AWARENESS OF A RANGE OF TEXTS AND STORIES. WE UNDERSTAND THAT LITERACY UNDERPINS EVERY ASPECT OF PUPILS’ EDUCATION AND IS PLACED AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHAT WE DO.  WE BELIEVE THAT OUR READING OFFER AT MARVELL IS NOT ONLY DESIGNED TO ACCELERATE PUPILS’ PROGRESS, BUT ALSO TO BUILD CULTURAL CAPITAL, AIMING TO WIDEN PUPILS’ PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD AND BUILD THEIR AMBITIONS.

OUR SCHOOL LIBRARY

Our school library is located on the first-floor open area and contains a vast range of fiction and non-fiction texts for all abilities. We are committed to listening to our pupils and ensuring that new texts are ordered based on feedback on what books they would like to see more of. The library is a safe and comfortable space that can be used at break times, before and after school to read and use the laptops for independent study.

FORM TIME READING

During form time, pupils engage in guided reading sessions led by their tutor. We aim to widen the number of whole novels that pupils read whilst on their journey through The Marvell College, with our texts chosen carefully to engage and form the basis of discussion and debate. Pupils are also able to read their own independent book of choice from our school library in their form group.

SPARX READER

Sparx Reader is an online platform that all our pupils have access to, which supports them to read for pleasure and to make progress in their reading.

Pupils in Years 7 to 9 complete 30 minutes of reading on Sparx Reader as part of their English extended learning.

On Sparx reader:

• Pupils are offered fantastic books at their level from a wide range of texts.
• As they read, pupils answer regular questions, helping them to stay engaged in the story.
• Readers earn Sparx Reader Points (SRP) and can compete with others to climb the league table.
• Sparx Reader works on any device, so pupils can access books from anywhere.
• Pupils can access dyslexia-friendly fonts, colour overlays, and reading rulers.
• Parents can monitor homework using Parent Portal and receive an email before extended learning is due.