Reading

Reading is a central part of life at Unity College. Our teachers understand that confident readers are more likely to thrive academically and beyond, so reading is promoted and celebrated by all staff. In lessons, students are encouraged to ‘read like Historians, Scientists, Geographers’ and more, helping them develop the disciplinary literacy skills needed to succeed across the curriculum.  In form time, Form Tutors read aloud twice a week to their form groups from a diverse anthology of texts that changes every half-term, ensuring students experience a wide range of voices, genres, and perspectives.

Twice a year, students complete the New Group Reading Tests (NGRT), which help us identify individual strengths and areas for development, such as comprehension or vocabulary. These results are shared with teachers to support effective planning, and targeted interventions are provided for students who require additional support. This regular assessment also allows us to track reading progress over time and ensure every student receives the guidance they need.

Our fantastic library is a vibrant hub of activity, offering competitions, events and a welcoming space at break and lunchtime. We regularly update our catalogue with fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels, and we encourage students to share their recommendations so that our catalogue reflects their interests.

Our vision is that every child who comes to us will leave with the confidence and skills to enjoy a lifetime of reading for pleasure. We know that consistent reading helps students to achieve their full potential across all subjects.