Reading

At River Tyne Academy Gateshead, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking learning, opportunity and lifelong success. Strong reading skills enable pupils to access the wider curriculum, develop independence, build confidence and engage more fully with the world around them. 

We recognise that many of our learners may have experienced interruptions to their education or gaps in their literacy development. Our reading curriculum is designed to support every pupil in becoming a confident, fluent and motivated reader, regardless of their starting point. 

Reading is a priority across the academy. Through high-quality teaching, targeted support and a culture that promotes reading for pleasure, we help pupils develop the skills they need to read accurately, understand increasingly complex texts and develop a lifelong appreciation of literature and learning. 

Developing Reading Skills

Our curriculum focuses on the key components of reading, including: 

• Phonics and decoding skills where appropriate 

• Reading fluency and accuracy 

• Vocabulary development 

• Reading comprehension 

• Critical thinking and inference skills 

• Reading confidence and independence 

For pupils who require additional support, targeted interventions are used to address gaps in learning and help them make rapid progress. We ensure that reading provision is tailored to individual needs so that every learner can experience success. 

Reading for Understanding

We encourage pupils to engage with a wide variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, news articles and digital media. Through discussion, questioning and reflection, learners develop their ability to interpret information, make connections and understand different perspectives. 

Reading also provides opportunities for pupils to broaden their knowledge, develop cultural awareness and explore experiences beyond their own. Through carefully selected texts, learners encounter diverse voices, ideas and viewpoints that help them develop empathy, curiosity and understanding. 

Reading for Pleasure

At River Tyne Academy, we are committed to fostering a positive reading culture. We encourage pupils to read widely and regularly, helping them discover books, authors and topics that interest and inspire them.