Reading & literacy
At Lift Richmond Park we believe that reading is the key to a successful future. Our library is the heart of reading in our school. We are proud of our reading culture at the centre of which is our library of over 10,000 books along with newspapers, magazines, games, brainteasers, and computers. We also have four chess boards in the library. The library is available to students every day between 8.00am and 4.00pm.
The library has a large selection of fiction books with all the students’ favourite authors and series. There is a well stocked classics section as well as new books from a diverse selection of contemporary writers.
In addition, students will find a plentiful non-fiction section with the resources students need to supplement their learning and support their homework. The librarian is always available to assist students in finding the books they need.
Every student at Lift Richmond Park is automatically a member of our library and welcome to borrow books. Students are introduced to the library during a lesson and encouraged to visit during break times or before and after school. Students may borrow books for two weeks and we ask that books are looked after and returned on time or renewed as required. KS3 students have a library lesson every three weeks and a book is part of their school equipment.
For all Key Stage 3 students we also utilise the SPRAX Reader programme. Sparx Reader is a vital tool for Key stage 3 students as it matches digital books to each pupil's exact reading ability, keeping them consistently challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The platfrom actively prevents skim reading and encourages deep, attentive reading habits. This daily practice builds the essestial vocabulary, reading, stamina, and analytical skills students need to successfully manage our demanding secondary curriculum and prepare for future GCSE exmas.
For our more voracious readers we have the Classics Challenge and the 47 book staircase chanllenge. The English department at LRP has chosen its favourite books, 47 literary classics to lose yourself in. On your journey up the stairs you will be solving murders and catching vampires; cast a drift in the middle of the ocean and be living in a 24 hour surveillance state. Once you've finished each book, choose on the of the tasks from the activity list and complete it for the that book, attaching it to the assignment window for the specific book.
Displays and student reccomendations are regularly updated around the library. The highlight of the year is World Book Day and staff are not frightened to join students in dressing up!
Encouraging the Joy of Reading - Home Reading Logs
To ensure a successful home reading experience:
Reading in School
Every student in Key Stage 3 has an independent reading book with them at all times. At the start of core subject lessons, students will DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) for 10 minutes
Support for Reading
All students are assessed on their reading age at regular intervals throughout the year. These assessments are used to identify any students who require additional support with vocabulary, comprehension, or phonics. We use Lexia Power Up Literacy, a program endorsed by the Educational Endowment Fund. For more information about Lexia please visit their website here.
Another reading intervention available to Year 7 students is Paired Reading. Once a week, 6th form students are buddied up with Year 7s to read together in the Library. This highly successful program’s main aim is to create a shared reading experience and build students’ confidence in reading aloud. This intervention begins in October
"It has helped me a lot. I can read better now and it helps with my other lessons when reading texts in class."
"It has helped be because if I get stuck on a word they can help me say it so when there word is there again I know how to say it straight away."
Battle of the Books
In the summer term, a Year 8 team of exceptional readers enters into the Borough’s ‘Battle of the Books’. This is a really enjoyable event where secondary schools come together for a friendly competition and listen to an inspiring talk from a visiting author.
Lift Richmond Park
Park Avenue
East Sheen
London SW14 8RG
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