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Deepening Reading: Developing Disciplinary Literacy

Deepening Reading: Developing Disciplinary Literacy is a two-year partnership aimed at enhancing pupils’ reading skills, particularly their ability to engage with subject-specific texts in KS2. This initiative follows a year of research and evidence exploration with the London South Research School. The programme supports teachers in embedding strategic reading and vocabulary instruction across science, geography, and history. Literacy and subject leads receive training to cascade best practices throughout their schools, ensuring disciplinary literacy becomes embedded in KS2.

How does it work?

How can it help your school

  • Provides evidence-informed training on subject-specific reading strategies in KS2
  • Supports literacy leads and subject teachers in implementing effective disciplinary reading practices
  • Builds a network of schools for peer learning and shared expertise
  • Improves outcomes for disadvantaged pupils through targeted literacy strategies
  • Ensures sustainable impact by embedding disciplinary literacy across KS2 and into KS3

    • What impact does the programme have?

  • Strengthens pupils’ ability to engage with and comprehend subject-specific texts
  • Enhances teacher confidence and expertise in teaching reading within subjects
  • Creates a community of practice, fostering collaboration across schools
  • Leads to improved academic outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, preparing KS2 children for secondary school
  • Embeds disciplinary reading practices across KS2/3 for long-term literacy development

    • How can I implement this in my school?

  • Appoint Literacy and Subject Leads – Assign key staff to engage with training and cascade learning.
  • Engage in Training – Participate in a structured schedule of training sessions covering vocabulary, disciplinary reading, and effective implementation.
  • Utilise Ongoing Support – Benefit from regular coaching, hub leader guidance, and peer collaboration.
  • Monitor Progress – Use curriculum audits, learning walks, and data collection to assess the programme’s impact.
  • Sustain and Embed – Implement strategies within teaching practice, ensuring long-term literacy development in subject areas.
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