At Old Fletton Primary School, Whole Class Reading is taught in Years 3 to 6 as a key part of our reading curriculum. These structured sessions are designed to develop pupils’ fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking, ensuring they are well-prepared to access the full curriculum with confidence.

During each session, pupils engage with high-quality, carefully chosen texts individually.

Whole Class Reading lessons typically include:

• Sustained silent reading to build reading pace, stamina, and concentration.
• Teacher-led questioning and vocabulary exploration to develop understanding.
• Opportunities for discussion and response, encouraging pupils to interpret, infer and articulate their ideas.
• Differentiated support and challenge to ensure all learners make progress.

This approach allows all pupils, regardless of ability, to access rich and challenging texts. Teachers provide the necessary scaffolding and extension to ensure each child is supported and stretched appropriately.

We believe that reading is not only a vital academic skill but also a gateway to enjoyment, empathy, and lifelong learning. Whole Class Reading supports this by exposing pupils to a broad range of literature and encouraging thoughtful engagement with texts.

For parents, these sessions offer insight into the types of books and skills their child is developing. We encourage regular reading at home and conversations about books to reinforce progress and promote a genuine love of reading.