Reading (Part 3): What are we doing about it in our subjects?
Subject specific examples
This is another guest post by our wonderful Curriculum Thinkers Community member, Louise Ferrier. If you find it useful, she’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments here. If you missed Part 2 on addressing curriculum barriers, catch up here.
Have an eggs-ellent Easter break!
Welcome to part 3 of 3 of this series on reading. Last week we explored overcoming reading barriers to curriculum success. And before that we dived into whole school considerations.
This week we explore subject-specific examples of how reading is being used to improve outcomes. From reading historical sources, or classic literature, to interpreting scientific data and long-form questions in maths, reading is essential in all subjects. Successful readers become confident students and critical thinkers who can engage with complex ideas.
The reading improvement strategies we use can be embedded in all subjects in an authentic way and help students develop deeper comprehension, enhance their vocabulary, and become more independent learners. When every subject contributes to reading development, we create a culture where literacy is valued and nurtured.
Many of the resources below are only accessible to members of our paid Curriculum Thinkers Community.
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Art
The Art department of Henley Bank School have introduced a ‘course reader’ in lessons which extend students' understanding of the topic. The texts are deliberately challenging and students are given questions to answer at the end of their reading which are text-dependent to check their understanding. This is a routine across the school and the richness of extra reading is very much the outcome.
Check out the presentation here.
Computing
The Gateway Academy’s Computing department includes planned ‘academic reading’ opportunities in their curriculum planning; these articles and links enhance the curriculum and encourage the expectation of wider reading. This reminds me of Mary Myatt’s assertion that we should be giving students high-level texts that are rich and fascinating but most importantly that students are safe to find some of it challenging.
Explore the computing and IT Subject Success directory here.
DT
The Technology department of Sharples School provides wider reading lists for both KS3 and 4. What I particularly like about these is the explicit recognition that reading these texts will improve student’s ability to talk and write authentically within the subject by extending their subject-specific vocabulary.
Check out the DT Subject Success Directory here.
English
The Stanway School has been influenced by Alex Quigley’s work on reading and vocabulary. They have consciously chosen texts to achieve a balance between stretching vocabulary skills yet achieving comprehension. Interestingly, their presentation also considers the reading speed needed to achieve fluency which is a marker of understanding and so shouldn’t be overlooked.
Additionally, the conscious planning reading within a subject - applicable to all subjects is demonstrated through their explanation of their approach when prepping a SoW. The stages below help teachers to clarify students' understanding and to connect them with the purpose of their reading.
Watch the full presentation from The Stanway School here.
At the Greenshaw Learning Trust, English teams have worked together to produce course readers to ensure students have access to high quality texts alongside their class reader - a lot of work has gone into ensuring they are filled with powerful knowledge and are part of developed schemes of learning with knowledge organisers, quizzing and CPD for staff.
Watch the presentation and check out the resources here.
Geography
The Cherwell School’s Geography department led an extensive project to introduce guided reading within their curriculum. The approach to making reading the purposeful tool to consciously deepen core knowledge within the subject requires planning and an intentionality which they have mapped through stages.
Watch the full presentation here.
History
The History department of Aylsham High School share a passion for reading around their subject by publishing recommended reading lists for each unit. What I particularly like about their choices is the mix between fiction and nonfiction - there really is something for everyone here.
Explore the Subject Success directory here.
P.E.
Manchester Communication Academy has taken an innovative approach to promoting wider reading in P.E. by creating sport-relevant reading lists that engage students with texts beyond the classroom. These lists include biographies of athletes, books on sports psychology, and analysis of game tactics, helping students see the connections between reading and their passion for sport. These texts promote discussions and the academy fosters a culture where reading is valued as a key tool for improving both sporting knowledge and literacy skills.
Science
At Brighton Hill Community School reading in Science is a planned programme of authentic texts to promote reading as a scientist. This works alongside vocabulary instruction to communicate like a scientist. There is a four step process to ensure that students are ready to access these challenging and interesting chosen texts.
Watch the webinar about Brighton Hill Community School’s approach in Science guided here.
After doing some research on what good reading looks like, Wheatley Park School’s Science department introduced ‘Guided reading Lessons’ into their curriculum. These lessons start with vocabulary instruction and then move on to students reading together before the teacher models and elaborates. Once the text has been absorbed, written or discussion tasks consolidate the knowledge learned.
Watch the webinar about Wheatley Park School’s guided reading here.
Many of the resources above are only accessible to members of our paid Curriculum Thinkers Community.
Not a member yet? Get free access here.
Already a member and can't access resources? DM Fiona Flint and ask for your membership plan link.
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