Reading & Phonics

We have a strong reading culture and believe that reading is a key life-skill that is given an extremely high profile at St Mary’s  Primary School. We are determined that every child will learn to read and develop a genuine love for reading that stays with them forever. Reading takes place in all English lessons and in a variety of different contexts and curriculum areas.

All children are given a continuous experience of books and print across all areas of the curriculum. The classroom environments are rich with books and appropriate texts that will develop a love of reading, support the acquisition and application of vocabulary and build on the children’s knowledge. School staff model reading, embedding in children the importance of reading and how it supports us in our learning. Children are taught from the youngest age to value and care for books. The Reception children love their trips to the library van as an integrated part of their curriculum. All classrooms have a dedicated reading area, as well as access to our school library.