Reading
Curriculum Intent
At The Polygon, reading is central to everything we do. We believe that reading is not only a gateway to academic success but a powerful tool for personal growth, identity exploration, and emotional well-being. Our intent is to:
- Inspire pupils to read for pleasure, curiosity, and connection.
- Equip every learner with the decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills needed to access the curriculum and thrive beyond school.
- Create a culture of reading that is inclusive, celebratory, and pupil-led.
- Address gaps in literacy through targeted, evidence-based interventions.
We recognise that many of our pupils arrive below age-related expectations in reading. Our curriculum is designed to meet them where they are and support them to grow into confident, independent readers.
Ethos
Our ethos is rooted in the belief that every pupil is a reader. We celebrate diverse reading journeys and prioritise:
- Pupil voice and choice in reading materials.
- A nurturing, trauma-informed approach to literacy development.
- Staff modelling a love of reading across the school.
- High expectations balanced with compassion and creativity.
We are proud to be working towards the Southampton Reading Charter Silver Award, building on our Bronze achievement in partnership with the Springhill English Hub.
Implementation
Reading at The Polygon is woven through every aspect of school life. Our approach includes:
Reading for Pleasure
- A vibrant, pupil-curated library with up-to-date, relevant texts.
- Recommended Reads shared by pupils and staff via blogs and displays.
- Weekly reading lessons in KS3 focused on enjoyment, oracy, and engagement.
- Books read aloud to pupils, chosen to reflect their interests and motivations.
Reading Fluency and Decoding
- All staff trained in systematic synthetic phonics.
- Daily decoding lessons in Year 7 English.
- Weekly “Word of the Week” activities exploring phonemes, etymology, and vocabulary.
Reading Across the Curriculum
- Opportunities to read aloud in all subjects to build fluency and confidence.
- Vocabulary development embedded across teaching and learning.
Targeted Interventions
- Regular assessment on entry and termly to identify needs.
- Tailored support including:
- 1:1 r 1:2 phonics sessions using Rapid Plus (Pearson).
- Grup sessions with the Literacy Trust’s Ignite programme.
- In-class nline intervention via Literacy Gold.
Each intervention is personalised, monitored, and adapted to ensure progress.
Reading Culture and Celebration
- Weekly ‘Reader of the Week’ award for reading minutes logged.
- Staff and pupil reading champions.
- Engagement with other schools and authors to broaden horizons.
Impact
We measure impact through both academic progress and personal development. Our pupils:
- Make measurable gains in decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
- Develop positive attitudes toward reading and increased motivation.
- Participate more confidently in lessons and discussions.
- Build resilience, empathy, and self-expression through literature.
- Leave The Polygon better equipped to access further education, employment, and the wider world.
