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Reading Curriculum

Welcome to the BHSA Library

"There is a strong focus on literacy and reading from the start. The library is a hive of activity. " — Ofsted 


At Birkenhead High School Academy, we believe reading is the gateway to curiosity, empathy, and lifelong achievement. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to ignite a genuine passion for reading in every young mind, nurture habitual readers, and equip pupils with essential skills that last a lifetime.

Our Whole School Reading Strategy

Reading is woven into the very fabric of school life at BHSA, supporting pupils as they progress through every Key Stage.

Fortnightly Library Curriculum (Years 3–9)

Every pupil in Years 3 through 9 attends dedicated, timetabled library lessons once a fortnight. Guided by Michael Rosen’s Manifesto for Reading, our curriculum introduces pupils to a rich tapestry of literature, diverse genres, and acclaimed national and regional book awards. From verse novels and dystopian fiction to empathy-building stories and non-fiction, pupils learn to discuss, debate, and choose books that feed their imagination.

Transition Reading Programme

To ensure a smooth academic and emotional journey as pupils step up to secondary school, we run a tailored Transition Reading Programme. Featuring curated "Transitional Reads", this initiative builds familiarity, confidence, and a shared passion for reading before Year 7 even begins.

Accelerated Reader & Progress Tracking

To build confidence and boost reading ages across Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, we run the Accelerated Reader (AR) programme. Pupils complete regular STAR Reading assessments, set personalised targets, track their own growth, and celebrate their achievements through our reading rewards scheme.

Aidan Chambers’ Booktalk & Competitions

We base our book discussions and reading clubs on Aidan Chambers’ renowned 'Tell Me' framework, fostering an open, collaborative environment where pupils explore stories through active dialogue.

  • Structured Booktalks: Rather than testing comprehension, our sessions invite pupils to share what they liked, disliked, found puzzling, or noticed in patterns, building critical thinking and deep comprehension naturally.
  • National Reading Champions Quiz: Since 2020, our keenest readers have proudly competed in the prestigious National Reading Champions Quiz (organised by the National Literacy Trust), putting their broad literary knowledge to the test against schools nationwide.
  • Book Clubs & Award Shadowing: From Year 3 through to 6th Form, pupils participate in vibrant, student-led book clubs. We actively shadow major awards—including the Spark! Book Awards, GDST Book Awards (Junior and Senior), and Carnegie Medal —using Chambers' booktalk principles to debate shortlisted titles.

Curated Booklists, Newsletter & Socials

  • Recommended Library Booklists: We regularly publish carefully selected reading lists for every year group and interest—ranging from recommended Key Stage booklists to thematic lists covering a wide range of genres, including empathy, diversity, non-fiction, graphic novels and award winners.
  • Library Newsletter: Stay up to date with our vibrant reading community! Our regular Library Newsletter highlights upcoming events, student booktalk highlights, recent author visits, book of the month recommendations, and library news.
  • Follow Us on Instagram: Get a daily glimpse inside our "hive of activity"! Follow our official Library Instagram page (@bhsalibrary) for live event updates, new book arrivals, student reviews, and author visit highlights.

Literary Leadership & Whole-School Events

  • Expert Staff Representation: Our staff are deeply committed to children’s literature. Key members of our literacy staff —including Ms Edwards, Ms Kingsley, and Mrs Doran—have served on prestigious book award judging panels.
  • Social Reading Events: We bring books to life through interactive events like Book Tasting, Book Café, and Musical Chairs Reading sessions.
  • Annual Literary Festival: Each year, the whole school comes together for a themed Literary Festival packed with fun-filled activities, creative writing, and literary celebrations.
  • Author Visits in Partnership with Linghams Bookshop: We host at least two major author events every year. Recent visiting authors have included Dermot O’Leary, M.G. Leonard, and Matt Goodfellow.

             

  • Bi-Annual Whole-School Book Fairs: Twice a year, our Scholastic Book Fairs transform the library into a bustling marketplace of stories, giving pupils the chance to explore and purchase their next favorite read.

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