Reading and the Library (LRC)
Kettering Buccleuch Library (LRC) is open daily to all students from 8.15am to 8.25am, at break time, at lunch time and after school until 4pm every Monday to Friday. During this time, students can take out, return, and renew books. They may take out two at a time, for a period of two weeks. The library is organised into genre sections to assist students in locating their favourite text types and authors. We are proud that our library is used as a teaching and working area by primary, secondary and staff. Our library is a vibrant and empowering learning environment for the whole school community to enjoy.
Library Lessons
Every fortnight, KS3 students are allocated one library lesson. Students who require literacy and oracy support will attend the library, where they will complete a non-fiction task to broaden comprehension skills. This will then be followed by 1:1 reading aloud on a book of their choice.
Building and maintaining strong reading skills are key to students’ academic development. In fact, studies revealed that those who read for just 20 minutes each day perform considerably better than their peers – landing in the top 10% of students in examinations. Those who read for just 5 minutes per day on average fell into the 50th percentile.
Sparx Reader
Sparx Reader is an engaging and supportive platform which students use to develop their reading and literacy skills. One KS3 English lesson, and one homework task per week, is dedicated to completing Sparx Reader. Last academic year, KBA regularly placed in the top five UL schools for Sparx Reader engagement. Sparx Reader has been proven to improve reading ages and develop working memory.
Form Time Reading (FTR)
Tutor time reading (TTR) takes place twice a week and is delivered during tutor time to students in years 7-10. Students are exposed to a range of authors, text types and themes. TTR promotes fluency, comprehension, and development of vocabulary. TTR also provides a rich opportunity for discussion of ideas and exploration of key themes.
Throughout the year, students will read the following:
Year 7
‘Private Peaceful’ by Michael Morpurgo
‘Now Is The Time For Running’ by Michael Williams
‘Ghost Boys’ by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Year 8
‘Wonder’ by R.J Palacio
‘Crongton Knights’ by Alex Wheatle
‘Mud Sweat and Tears’ by Bear Grylls
Year 9
‘Dear Martin’ by Nic Stone
‘The Outsiders’ by S.E Hinton
Year 10
‘Boys Don’t Cry’ by Malorie Blackman
‘The Heat of the Moment’ by Sabrina Cohen-Hatton
Check out these reading related websites:
www.mykindabook.com
www.booktrust.org.uk/books
www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
www.readitlovedit.com/home.html
United Learning Key Stage 3 Glossary
Students are encouraged to use this glossary of subject specific words to supplement their learning. This glossary of terms can also be found on student Chromebooks by clicking on the literacy bookmark.