At Barr's Hill School, we believe that reading is the foundation of academic success and personal growth.
Our commitment to fostering a love of reading is woven throughout every stage of our students' education. We know that reading not only builds knowledge and sharpens literacy skills but also broadens horizons, sparks imagination, and empowers students to confidently engage with the world around them.
We are proud to offer a 7 Year Reading Journey that supports students from Year 7 through to Post 16. This journey is carefully designed to develop reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking, ensuring that students leave Barr’s Hill as accomplished, enthusiastic readers. Within this journey, students are encouraged to read their year group’s texts which feature a range of fiction and non-fiction as well as poetry and drama.
Our culture of reading is celebrated and visible across the school. Every student in Key Stage 3 takes part in regular reading assessments, allowing us to provide personalised support and guidance to help every learner thrive. Through the reading assessments, teachers can provide students with reading ages and their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) so that they are able to select appropriate and challenging reading books. To make reading accessible and enjoyable for all, each Hub has its own dedicated library space alongside our well-stocked main library, providing a rich selection of diverse and engaging texts.
We also bring reading to life through exciting trips, celebrations and experiences that connect students with literature beyond the classroom, helping them see the real-world power and relevance of reading.
At Barr’s Hill, reading is more than a skill – it’s a gateway to building brighter futures.
