Reading at KPHS

At KPHS, reading is at the heart of learning, personal growth, and opportunity. We believe that every child deserves to become a confident, fluent, and enthusiastic reader who can access the wider curriculum and engage fully with the world around them. Reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge, empathy, and aspiration, enabling students to develop both academically and personally. 

Our intent is to create a rich reading culture where books, stories, language, and individual voices are valued and celebrated by all. Through carefully planned teaching, high-quality texts, and purposeful reading experiences, we develop skilled readers who can decode, comprehend, analyse, and think critically. We recognise that reading is not only a key academic skill but also a life-long tool that supports wellbeing, independence, communication, and future success. Our core offer within English and Tutor Time Reading introduces students to foundational myths and religious texts, canonical Victorian literature, Shakespeare, powerful non-fiction narratives of injustice and resistance alongside contemporary literary fiction, and poetry from such global voices as Agard, Dharker, Nichols and Angelou. Our students read texts which deepen their cultural literacy, shape a collective understanding of humanity and reflect their lived experiences.  

Additionally, our carefully curated library collection supports both reading for purpose and reading for pleasure. By providing access to a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, contemporary texts, classics, and diverse voices, the library enables students to develop subject knowledge, independent research skills, and a genuine enjoyment of reading. Popular and contemporary titles such as The Hunger Games, The Boy at the Back of the Class, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief sit alongside highly popular series including Shatter Me and Throne of Glass, helping students to discover authors, genres, and themes that inspire sustained and independent reading habits. These texts reflect the experiences, cultures, identities, and interests of our school community, ensuring that students can both see themselves represented in what they read and discover new perspectives beyond their own experiences.  

Through reading, we co-operate by sharing ideas, listening to different perspectives, and engaging in thoughtful discussion. Students learn to work collaboratively, support one another’s understanding, and build confidence through shared reading experiences that strengthen communication and connection. 

Through reading, we pioneer by exploring new ideas, cultures, and possibilities. High-quality texts encourage curiosity, creativity, and ambition, inspiring students to think critically, ask questions, and develop the confidence to challenge themselves and discover new perspectives. 

Through reading, we belong by ensuring that every student feels represented, valued, and included within both our reading community and a wider community of readers globally. We strive to ensure that every student, regardless of background or starting point, experiences success in reading. By identifying needs early and providing targeted bespoke support and intervention, we aim to remove barriers and foster confidence, resilience, and enjoyment. By exposing students to diverse authors, experiences, and voices, we nurture empathy, celebrate individuality, and create an environment where all children see themselves as readers with a place in our school community.