Reading Framework series: Reading practice beyond primary – how to maintain momentum at Key Stage 3

Transition

'The transition from primary to secondary school is an important step in pupils' reading development, as well as one of the most difficult.'

DfE Reading Framework 2023, page 130

Transition time is key, and getting the support right both in Year Six and Year Seven will help ensure pupils’ development – both academic and social – continues smoothly. Texts you can talk through can be vital tools, opening up conversations through characters that relate to pupils’ own lives, or that might give them a better understanding of their peers.

Take a look at our dedicated transition page for suggestions on how to support pupils through those early months in Year 7. We also have Book Talk Cards for both
UKS2 and KS3, and you could even use one of these suggestions as a link text with your feeder school. If you’re looking to ensure writing development isn’t left behind, these suggested short texts for developing writing can be used as a transition unit for Year 7 pupils.

Reading widely

'Reading at Key Stage 3 should be wide, varied and challenging. Pupils should be expected to read whole books, to read in depth, and to read for pleasure and information.'

DfE Reading Framework 2023, page 19

We agree that reading should be wide, varied and challenging – for this age group, and all pupils. But we especially recognise the emphasis placed here on supporting KS3 in reading for pleasure with young adult books, specifically, young adult fiction. Even pupils who have read avidly throughout primary school can lose this passion when they transition to secondary school, where they will come up against a range of competing opportunities and pressures.

Use our Reading for Pleasure pages to promote all kinds of reading to your students. With selections covering fiction, non-fiction and recommended award winners, and the option to search by key stage or text type (junior fiction, teen, YA) you’ll have plenty of recommendations ready to help your students maintain their reading miles.

Fluency

‘However, pupils who are not yet reading fluently as they get older require further timely and targeted support. They also require substantial practice in reading texts that include only the words they can decode at their current stage of reading development.'

DfE Reading Framework 2023, page 93

For pupils who enter secondary school still requiring significant support with learning to read, or in establishing fluency, transition can be particularly challenging.

Our recent phonics post takes a more in-depth look at ways to support these pupils. There is also an increased pressure on secondary staff to have a comprehensive understanding of phonics teaching. Take a look at our secondary phonics page for support, or if you’d like additional support, our team can help – get in touch at hello@peters.co.uk.

Library time

Dedicated library time is vital for KS3 pupils, who may not have had access to a full library space at primary school. However, to spark and nurture pupils’ enjoyment of reading, supporting and engaging them with visiting the school library from the outset is also key. Our half-termly newsletter provides ideas and support library focus sessions – with ideas, events to engage with and recommended new releases.

We also have Book of the Week recommendations and access to reviews on all titles on our website, making it easy to support pupils in finding the right book for them.

Tutor time

‘In Key Stage 3, form tutors might consider reading aloud during tutor time; subject teachers might also consider reading texts aloud.' 

DfE Reading Framework 2023, page 101

The importance of Tutor Time Reading is really gathering momentum: as a strategy to form bonds within tutor groups, as a vital means of including more reading opportunities throughout the school day, and as a way of providing pupils with varied reading role models.

Our Tutor Time Reading Spines cover a wide range of themes and genres, so we hope we have something to support you in your approach. If you’d like something a bit different, get in touch at hello@peters.co.uk and we can provide a bespoke list for you.