6UP: Developing Excellence in Reading

The project ran to increase attainment in English, particularly reading, initially in project schools and then more widely. Initially the focus was high attaining pupils in years 6 – 8. However, it quickly became apparent that for sustainability and greater impact changes needed to be made at an early stage. Consequently, the project addressed teaching and learning from year 4 upwards. Schools involved, had a good track record of pupils achieving level 6 in maths and writing, but not reading.

Teachers attended coaching sessions with consultants, project meetings and lesson study with a school partner. Three cycles of lesson study were conducted. They worked with teacher researchers to co-author articles, submit conference proposals and deliver training in other local authorities. This enhanced professionalism amongst teachers and led to increased motivation.

At project end teachers reported increased subject knowledge and confidence in teaching higher attaining pupils. Pupils showed high levels of engagement, increased motivation in lessons, and wider, more challenging, reading choices. Standardised test scores should increases in all project schools on measures of reading comprehension, fluency and vocabulary.

We’ve become much more independent readers. Each of us has had to focus on the book and each of us has had to pick up something different.

It’s also easier because we’re helping each other to clarify or find out what the words mean. Then you can carry on reading and enjoy it more, because you know what those new words mean.

For information about the teaching framework and strategies used Nikki Gamble: [email protected]

For general enquiries about the project Mark Hartley: [email protected]