Literacy
literacy at orion eden park
At Orion Eden Park, we place literacy at the heart of all learning. Our whole-school approach ensures every student develops the reading, writing, and oracy skills needed for academic success and life beyond school. We promote a consistent focus on literacy across all subjects, foster a culture of reading for pleasure and purpose, and provide targeted support for those who need it most. By building academic vocabulary, enhancing communication skills, and setting high expectations for writing, we equip students to be confident, articulate, and independent learners ready to thrive both now and in the future.
Reading at Orion Eden Park
At Orion, we believe reading is at the heart of everything we do.
At Orion Eden Park, we know that strong reading skills are the foundation for success across every subject. Whether it’s understanding a Science question, following instructions in Technology, analysing a source in History, or exploring a novel in English, reading sits right at the centre of our students’ learning.
From the very start, we support students to become confident, fluent readers who enjoy reading and use it to succeed across all subjects.
We carefully select high-quality texts that stretch thinking, broaden knowledge of the world, and enable students to communicate clearly and effectively.
Our approach is carefully sequenced and consistently delivered across all year groups, ensuring strong progress for every learner.
oep literacy pyramid 2025 v1.pdf
Our Approach to Reading
- Tier 1: Universal Provision – high-quality teaching of reading across all lessons
- Tier 2: Targeted Intervention – additional structured support for students below age-related expectations
- Tier 3: Specialist Support – intensive, personalised interventions for students with significant reading needs
We focus on developing:
- Reading fluency and accuracy
- Comprehension and inference
- Academic and subject-specific vocabulary
-
Confidence and stamina when reading challenging texts
Reading in the Curriculum
At Tier 1 (Universal), all teachers:
- Model expert reading through think-aloud strategies
- Explicitly teach key vocabulary using agreed routines
- Support students to annotate and break down complex texts
- Scaffold reading through structured questioning and guided practice
Students are regularly exposed to:
- Challenging, subject-specific texts
- Extended reading opportunities
- Opportunities to discuss and articulate understanding
Reading Culture and Promotion
We actively promote a culture where reading is both valued and enjoyed.
- Form-time reading programme with carefully selected texts
- Regular independent reading opportunities
- Staff modelling reading and sharing recommendations
- Reading displays and celebrations across the school
We further enrich this through:
- Reading competitions and events
- Recognition and rewards for reading engagement
- Promotion of diverse and inclusive texts
Our aim is to ensure students see reading as both academically important and personally meaningful.
Targeted Reading Support
- Small group reading interventions focused on comprehension and fluency
- Guided reading sessions with explicit strategy instruction
- Vocabulary intervention programmes to close language gaps
- Additional structured reading time
- Intensive phonics-based programmes (where appropriate)
- 1:1 or very small group intervention
- Precision teaching focused on decoding and fluency
- Bespoke support plans informed by ongoing assessment
Supporting Reading at Home
We work in partnership with families to support reading development beyond the classroom.
We encourage parents and carers to:
- Promote regular reading routines at home
- Discuss texts and ask questions to deepen understanding
- Encourage reading of a wide range of materials
- Support the development of vocabulary through conversation
We provide guidance and recommended strategies to help families support reading effectively.
Recommended Reading and Texts
- Broaden cultural capital
- Expose students to a range of voices and perspectives
- Challenge and engage readers at all levels
This includes:
- Key novels and texts studied in English
- Subject-specific reading recommendations
- Year group reading lists
- A diverse range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry
Subject statements of intent
Mathematics - Maths_Literacy_Statement.pdf
English - English_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Science - Science_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Humanities - Humanities_Literacy_Statement.pdf
MFL - MFL_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Creative Arts - Creative Arts_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Media Studies - Media Studies_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Film Studies - Film Studies_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Performing Arts
Music - Music_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Drama - Drama_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Dance - Dance_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Social Science & Enterprise
Sociology - Sociology_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Psychology - Psychology_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Business Studies - Business_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Economics - Economics_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Computer Science - Computer Science_Literacy_Statement.pdf
Physical Education - PE_Literacy_Statement.pdf