At Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School, reading is not just a subject: it is the foundation of everything we do. We know that pupils who read regularly and widely make significantly more progress in their education, not only in English but across the curriculum. Reading builds knowledge, improves writing and vocabulary, and even strengthens problem-solving skills in mathematics and science. Research suggests that pupils need to acquire around 50,000 words to succeed in their education – and after the age of five, most of these words are learned through reading.

That is why reading at Dame Elizabeth is centered around three core principles:

·       Reading for Progress – giving pupils the tools to develop their reading ability, so they can access every subject with confidence.

·       Reading for Success – equipping pupils with the vocabulary and comprehension skills needed to excel in exams and beyond school life.

·       Reading for Pleasure – fostering a lifelong love of books, stories and ideas, so that reading becomes a source of joy as well as achievement.

Accelerated Reader

To embed these principles, every Year 7 student has a dedicated Accelerated Reader session once a week, while Year 8 pupils take part fortnightly. These sessions combine class readers with opportunities for pupils to explore our extensive library catalogue and make independent choices that reflect their own interests.

Accelerated Reader is closely linked to our “60 words richer in …” curriculum, which ensures that students are regularly exposed to the ambitious, challenging vocabulary needed to succeed across all subjects. Each pupil receives personalised takeaway homework designed to extend their independent reading and support the vocabulary and themes they encounter in class.

To monitor progress, pupils sit regular STAR and AR tests. These provide teachers, parents, and pupils with up-to-date information about each child’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and ensure that reading recommendations are matched to their current level, while still offering the right amount of stretch and challenge.