St Mary's puts reading at the heart of the curriculum. We strive to foster a love of reading at school and at home. We believe reading is an entitlement that should enable children to connect with some of the finest words ever written. It should open up a world of possibility and intrigue and is a fundamental life skill which, enables children to communicate effectively in all areas and equips them for the challenges they will face in the wider world. 

We aim to have pupils leave St Mary’s  as lifelong readers, who have an instilled love for reading in them. In order to do this, children are encouraged to read widely and are exposed to a variety of genres. Reading across all subjects within the curriculum will prepare pupils for life beyond the Primary Classroom, where they will be taking with them the skills required for in-depth reading and analysing.

Speaking and listening is prioritised in order to build vocabulary for all learners in order to understand more complex texts. We provide a reading rich environment where pupils can access text linked to the 5 plagues of reading, curriculum areas and their own areas of interest.

We intend that our pupils will be both independent and reflective readers who can read fluently and for meaning.

We provide rich, meaningful discussions around texts, where all children feel confident and able to contribute by using their reading skills to access all areas of learning.

We use approaches that encourages children to spot clues and apply strategies to understand texts at a deep level

We bring reading to life and give it purpose using music, drama and performance.