Read 6
Reading at KS5
In the Sixth Form we continue to prioritise reading. Every student in Y12 takes part in the sixth form reading programme, Read 6. The programme aims to foster a love of reading by providing dedicated time for reading and book talk and a chance to gain confidence in reading comprehension.
All students read one text each half term in their supported study sessions. These sessions are delivered by our Senior Tutors who are passionate about reading and have excellent relationships with the students. The tutors work closely with the reading team to ensure that the reading sessions delivered are of an excellent quality.
Each half term’s text is chosen because of its relevance to our students. For example, in half term 3 students read an extract from Matt Haig’s ‘The Midnight Library’, leading to discussions on ableism and mental health, as well as encouraging them to reflect on their own lives. To ensure that reading is accessible to all students, tutors support pupils to define and understand new, challenging vocabulary and make use of the whole school reading strategy: before, during, after. In every session, reading is following by a discussion of the themes in the text. Students enjoy discussing issues and this demonstrates the importance of reading to encourage oracy and enhance debate.
There are three levels to the Read 6 Challenge, bronze, silver and gold. As well as asking all Y12 students to read six texts in the year (bronze), students are encouraged to achieve gold or silver in the Read 6 challenge by reading additional texts each half term.
To encourage both aspirational reading and reading for pleasure, students have free access to the Hodder educational magazines in a wide range of A level subjects, as well as access to both the Learning Resource Centre and the dedicated Sixth Form pop up library that is situated in the Study Zone. The Sixth Form ‘Reading Update’ newsletter is shared each half term, with recommended reads and a featured ‘Staff Shelfie’ each issue. Students are also encouraged to take part in the Sixth Form book group once a half term: Roundhay’s own ‘Chapter Chasers.’
