The Big Read | The Birkenhead Park School

Here at The Birkenhead Park School we believe that reading is one of the best skills a child can learn, giving them the chance to learn new words, new ideas, and so much more. Research also suggests that the more children read the better they perform academically.

'The Big Read' initiative was introduced in 2018 and is a daily reading programme designed to inspire a love of reading in our students , no matter what their starting point. All students in Year 7, 8 & 9 take part in The Big Read every morning and students read the same book for 30 minutes in a timetabled session with their form tutor. Teachers read out aloud and each student is given a copy of the book so they can follow along with their personalised bookmark.

In October 2021, The Big Read was shortlisted for the 'Innovative and Creative Literacy Award' by Educate Awards. These awards showcase examples of educational excellence in the North West.

The format

Students have 30-minute reading sessions four times a week. Form tutors lead the reading and the class follows along. Students are given a knowledge organiser that they use alongside the book; as well as having chapter summaries and key vocabulary it provides questions to engage students in discussions and let them share their views and experiences.

How will it be assessed and measured?

There will be two online assessments in the school year. This gives each student a starting point and individual targets from which to work from, and then tracks their progress. It therefore allows everyone to improve no matter what their starting point.

Impact?

Year on year the levels of reading have improved at BPS, and this is seen in the reading profile of the school.

16 before 16 Reading Challenge

Since September 2023, our students have read over 800 classic novels for enjoyment. We now have above national average number of students reading at the highest levels.