In 2022-23 28% of students were below the standard score of 100 for reading (compared to 26% nationally) and 36% were below standard score of 100 for mathematics (compared to 29% nationally)
Reading and Intervention at Werneth
Star reading Test
Star Reading is an online assessment used to determine a child’s English reading level. All pupils in year 7 will take this test and the beginning and end of the academic year. The test will determine what ‘book level’ each child is reading at. This allows us in school, and grown ups at home, to select and read books with their child that are appropriate for them.
What is a Book Level?
A book level helps us to match children with suitable books. All books on myON, and all books with an Accelerated Reader quiz have been given a book level based on the difficulty of the text. In this way, pupils can be easily matched to a book that is suitable for them.
What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor a child’s independent reading practice. Children pick either a physical book that falls within their book level or choose to read from the recommended myON digital library. When they have finished reading, they take a short quiz on the computer - passing the quiz is an indication that the child has understood what has been read.
If they are reading at the recommended level for them, then most children are likely to be successful and enjoy the books and quizzes. Best of all they learn and grow at their own pace.
My On
MyOn is an exciting online digital platform that every child in Year 7 can access, in school and at home. MyOn is a website containing thousands of digitised books and audiobooks that can be read independently or with another person. Books are recommended for each pupil based on their interests, prior reads and their reading level. This ensures that all children have a personalised reading experience based on their interests and their ability.
Reading Journals
Every child in year 8 and 7 has been given a reading journal to use alongside their reading practice at school and at home. The journal is very much like a reading record that the child would have experienced at Primary School. The idea is that they make a note of what books they are reading, complete questions and activities and collect stamps that will earn them rewards. Grown ups are also encouraged to read with their child at home and sign the reading journal, this is also another way for pupils to receive stamps and rewards for their efforts.
Reading intervention
Using SATS scores and our own testing data, we identify pupils who have a reading age below the standard required of their actual age. From this data, we decide what level of intervention is appropriate for that child. We must then schedule times for these pupils to receive this much needed intervention until they reach a point where they are reading above standard and in line with how they should be reading at their age.
We have three types of intervention:
Toe by Toe (Level 1)
For those who are almost at their expected reading level and or have received intervention level 1. This programme uses targeted instruction, fun exercises and activities to develop pupil vocabulary and comprehension - both fundamental to learning how to read with confidence and fluency. Pupils will work with an experienced intervention teacher in groups no larger than 4 pupils, for 1 hour a week.
Lexonik (Level 2)
For those who are almost at their expected reading level and or have received intervention level 1. This programme uses targeted instruction, fun exercises and activities to develop pupil vocabulary and comprehension - both fundamental to learning how to read with confidence and fluency. Pupils will work with an experienced intervention teacher in groups no larger than 4 pupils, for 1 hour a week.
Super-Readables Reading Project (Level 3)
For those who have received either level one or two intervention and are at their expected reading level. The reading project allows them to put their acquired skills into practice and develop their fluency and confidence in reading. Pupils will read and study a book that has been developed in partnership with Barrington Stoke, the experts in producing accessible fiction, Super-Readable Rollercoasters aim to encourage struggling readers and support them to become life-long readers. For this they will be in small groups, no more than 5 pupils, being guided through this text with an experienced intervention teacher.