We Are A Reading School
The Billericay School is a reading school. We believe that supporting and unlocking the love of reading, supports and unlocks all other life and learning experiences.
Reading is essential for students to achieve the best outcomes, supports their future career opportunities and enriches their education and knowledge of the world. We encourage all students to read widely and become confident readers with strong literacy and oracy skills.
Our aim to promote a love of reading is supported in both lessons and the wider school. Reading underpins our curriculum; all subjects develop subject specific vocabulary alongside regular opportunities to investigate different genres of writing. Students are exposed to academic literature that develops their subject knowledge.
Reading in Tutor Times
We have a weekly form time reading programme. Key Stage 3 students read using the ‘faster reading’ technique. They will read a complete book as a form class.
Accelerated Reader
Year 7 and 8 students take part in the Accelerated Reader Programme. They have dedicated reading lessons in the Library where students can work towards becoming word millionaires.
World Millionaires
As part of the Accelerated Reader Programme, students receive an award once they have read one million words.
Vending Machine
We are very lucky to have a reading book vending machine. If students read and review ten books from our ‘recommended reads’, they receive a token to choose a book.
Reading Scholars
Students can become a reading scholar by reading and reviewing fifteen books from our ‘recommended read’ lists. Year 7 and 8 students also need to be actively engaging in their Accelerated Reader lessons.
This has become a popular part of our reading for pleasure programme.
Reading at Home
We encourage all students to read regularly at home. Our ‘recommended reads’ lists are an excellent place to start, with every one that is read and reviewed contributing towards a Reading scholar badge.
Recommended Reads
Reading Buddies
To support reading, Year 12 read with the small groups during their reading lessons to develop fluency and vocabulary. We also have literacy groups in Years 7, 8 and 9 with targeted support that boosts students’ comprehension, thinking and confidence.
Reading Ages
Key Stage 3 Students complete reading tests twice per year. These tests allow us to monitor your child’s progress and offer support where necessary.
Our Library
We encourage students to read from a wide range of genres and all students can access our wonderful Library where students can study independently, prepare for future lessons and read for pleasure.
We are proud of our diverse collection of books and believe there is something for everyone there. Our Library also has a ‘Dyslexia friendly’ section to support all students to engage with reading.
Our Library regularly runs reading initiatives including hosting our World Book Day, blind date with a book and Christmas reading competition events. For more details on our Library, please CLHERE.
For more details on our Library, please CLICK HERE.