Reading
“He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:”
Luke 4:16-17
At Our Lady and St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, reading is integral to our curriculum, second only to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, we believe that the Word of God and the act of reading are interconnected, serving as a foundation for spiritual growth, knowledge, and understanding. Reading is the key to unlocking a child’s potential, enabling them to access every area of learning and grow into the person Christ calls them to be.
Our commitment to reading is grounded in scripture. In Luke 4:16-17, we see Jesus himself engage with the written Word: “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:” This act demonstrates the importance of reading in understanding God’s teachings and connecting with His message.
Inspired by this, we envision a school where every child reads without barriers, fulfilling Christ’s vision for their lives. By fostering a love of reading, we aim to ensure that all children are equipped to overcome obstacles and achieve their God-given potential.
Reading is the cornerstone of our curriculum. It informs everything we plan, teach, and assess. From early phonics instruction to developing critical comprehension skills, we provide an exceptional and inclusive reading education. Our approach ensures that every child—regardless of background or ability—is supported in their journey to become a fluent, confident reader.
At OLSB, we work tirelessly to ensure that reading remains at the forefront of all we do. Through high-quality teaching, a rich and varied book culture, and tailored interventions, we enable every child to engage deeply with texts and connect their learning to their faith. By prioritizing reading, we aim to create lifelong learners who can access the world of knowledge and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Reading at OLSB
At OLSB, we understand that reading is not confined to a specific timetable slot or a single moment in the day. It is woven into the fabric of everything we do, lived and breathed throughout our school community.
We champion the 3 P’s of Reading: Pleasure, Purpose, and Productivity. These principles are at the heart of our approach and drive our commitment to fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Please explore our ‘One Minute Guides’ below to learn more about each area, which form the backbone of our reading ethos.