English | Parklands High School

In our department, and across the school, we maintain a focus on reading and try to foster a love of reading in all pupils, regardless of ability. Reading has multiple benefits for pupils: it engages various parts of the brain, improving comprehension skills and analytical abilities; it fires up the imagination and stimulates memory; it helps recall information and helps stabilise emotions. Reading is also proven to have a positive impact on how pupils write and it is linked with higher grades at GCSE.

We provide many opportunities for reading in both our KS3 and KS4 curriculum, and our KS3 schemes are designed around reading challenging, interesting texts from many genres. Pupils are expected to read 20 minutes a day as part of Home Study, and at KS3 have a dedicated Reading lesson every fortnight with opportunities for staff to discuss books with pupils, and for pupils to read aloud to one another and share their love of reading.

Reading Profiles

We track pupils’ reading progress using NGRT tests twice a year. This valuable tool provides us with all the data we need to support them, including reading ages. This data is used to create a bespoke Reading Profile for each pupil which contains handy advice about how parents and staff can best help with the pupils’ reading, and how pupils can practise their skills.

Reading Support

Some pupils may struggle with reading when they arrive at Parklands. We offer one-to-one Phonics support, group Phonics and tailored reading groups during morning Reading time, and have seen the benefits of these programs across the curriculum. Please ask any member of the English department for more information.

Careers leading on from English

How parents can support their children

Our English Blog will have useful help and support for both students and parents in KS3 and KS4.
For reading support please access the link to our “Supporting Reading” document.
Access Google Classroom for up to date homework information.
For KS4 revision materials access BBC Bitesize and our English Shared Documents on Google Drive.
Feel free to contact your child’s English teacher to discuss concerns or to access further guidance.
GCSE Revision videos are also located on GCSE Pod. Your child will have a password and access to this.