Reading Curriculum

Why Reading Matters at Summerhill

At Summerhill Primary Academy, reading is at the heart of everything we do. A strong reading curriculum gives children the skills they need to succeed across all subjects, develop their vocabulary and understanding, and grow into confident, curious learners.

Our reading curriculum is designed using the CUSP (Curriculum with Unity Schools Partnership) framework, ensuring learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge, skills and confidence build year on year. Through high-quality texts, we aim to develop fluent readers who enjoy reading and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

How We Teach Reading

Reading is taught through a clear and consistent approach across the school. Children are supported to develop their reading skills through:

• A carefully chosen literature spine that includes classic texts, modern stories, non-fiction and poetry
• Explicit teaching of vocabulary, helping children to understand and use ambitious language
• Regular opportunities to practise fluent and expressive reading
• Purposeful links between reading and other subjects, helping children make meaningful connections in their learning
• Structured discussion and questioning to develop strong comprehension and deeper thinking

Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring every child is supported and challenged appropriately.

The Structure of a CUSP Reading Lesson

Our reading lessons follow a highly structured, research-led model, ensuring all children have access to high-quality reading instruction.

Lesson Phases

Connect – Activating prior knowledge to anchor new learning.

Explain – Explicit vocabulary instruction, ensuring children understand and can use sophisticated language.

Example – Teacher modelling of high-quality reading and comprehension skills.

Attempt – Guided practice, with scaffolding gradually removed.

Apply – Independent practice to reinforce learning and secure fluency.

Challenge – Higher-order thinking, including exploring themes, authorial intent, and literary styles.

The Difference This Makes for Our Children

As a result of our reading curriculum, children at Summerhill Primary Academy become confident, capable readers who enjoy books and understand what they read. They develop a strong vocabulary, read with increasing fluency and are able to talk thoughtfully about texts.

By the time they leave Summerhill Primary Academy, pupils are well prepared for secondary school and equipped with the reading skills they need for lifelong learning.

For further information on progression documents and overviews please speak to one of our English team, Mrs Perry or Miss Hughes.