Reading

At FHAL, reading is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that developing fluency and a rich vocabulary is key to helping children become confident, independent readers who enjoy reading for pleasure and learning.

Our curriculum is supported by the Schofield & Sims Complete Comprehension programme from Years 1 to 6, which provides a structured and progressive approach to teaching reading. Each unit focuses on a high-quality text and a specific comprehension skill, with new vocabulary introduced and explored before reading begins. This approach ensures children have the language tools they need to fully understand and engage with what they read.

By modelling fluent reading and providing regular opportunities for discussion, guided practice, and independent work, we help children build the skills and confidence needed to read with ease and expression. As they progress through the school, pupils develop a strong foundation in comprehension, an expanding vocabulary, and the fluency needed to tackle increasingly complex texts.

At FHAL, our goal is simple: to nurture children who not only read well but who also love reading, seeing it as a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and lifelong learning.