READING

Reading is a core priority at Bottisham Village College because it underpins success across every subject. Our reading strategy has been developed in clear phases and is built around three non‑negotiables: reading fluency, Tier 3 vocabulary, and curriculum access for all students.

A Phased and Coherent Approach

Phase 1 – Identification, Vocabulary and Reading Culture (Autumn 2025)
We introduced whole‑school NGRT screening and embedded Sparx Reader to build consistent reading habits. At the same time, faculties strengthened their use of Tier 3 subject vocabulary, ensuring students were explicitly taught the language needed to access academic texts. Reading became everyone’s responsibility, not just the library’s.

Phase 2 – Targeted Intervention and Disciplinary Reading (Autumn 2025)
Detailed NGRT profiles enabled precise intervention, matched to students’ needs. Alongside phonics and comprehension support where required, teachers focused on explicit vocabulary instruction, using consistent approaches such as the Frayer Model, knowledge organisers and teacher modelling to support disciplinary reading in every subject.

Phase 3 – Explicit Fluency and Vocabulary Teaching (Spring 2026)
Building on strong habits and accurate identification, the strategy now prioritises explicit fluency teaching, recognising that fluency unlocks vocabulary and comprehension. Reading fluency is developed through:

• Automaticity – effortless word recognition
• Accuracy – reading words correctly
• Prosody – reading with expression and confidence

Classroom routines such as echo reading, choral reading, reading conversations and fluency checks are used alongside direct teaching and repeated exposure to Tier 3 vocabulary, ensuring students can confidently read, say and use subject‑specific language.

Reading for Every Student

Our approach ensures that:

• the weakest readers catch up quickly
• middle readers continue to make strong progress
• confident readers deepen their vocabulary and academic reading skills

By explicitly teaching how to read, how to read fluently, and how to read subject‑specific language, we ensure all students can access the curriculum and succeed.