A Carefully Selected Reading Programme.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

Matilda was selected for its exploration of curiosity, confidence, intelligence and a love of reading. Through Matilda's experiences, readers are encouraged to think independently, recognise positive character traits and explore the importance of standing up for themselves. Its humour and engaging storytelling also support vocabulary development, comprehension and imagination.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to explain what they have read, describe characters, identify the beginning, middle and end of a story, and confidently share their thoughts.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

Wish was selected for its exploration of friendship, belonging, family and emotional resilience. Through Charlie's journey, readers develop empathy, consider different perspectives and reflect on kindness and meaningful relationships. The story also encourages emotional understanding and reminds readers that happiness often comes from recognising what truly matters.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to identify underlying messages, make connections between events, interpret characters' decisions and explain their opinions using evidence.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

The School for Good and Evil was selected for its exploration of identity, morality, friendship and the difference between appearance and character. Through Sophie and Agatha's journeys, readers are encouraged to question assumptions, consider different perspectives and examine moral choices. Its layered characters and symbolism strengthen analytical reading, critical thinking and the ability to support opinions with evidence from the text.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to analyse character motivations, identify literary devices, compare viewpoints, construct arguments and participate in thoughtful discussions about challenging subjects.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

Lessons in Chemistry was selected for its exploration of female ambition, intellectual independence and challenging societal expectations. Through Elizabeth Zott's journey, readers are encouraged to question stereotypes and develop independent perspectives. The novel also offers opportunities to explore character development, social commentary, scientific thinking and sophisticated language.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to evaluate an author's intentions, analyse symbolism, recognise narrative techniques, compare literary perspectives and construct well-supported arguments.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

George's Marvellous Medicine was selected for its humour, imaginative storytelling and unusual events. George's adventure encourages readers to make predictions, follow a sequence of events, explore character traits and develop vocabulary. Its playful narrative also provides opportunities to discuss imagination, consequences and creative thinking.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to explain what they have read, describe characters, identify the beginning, middle and end of a story, and confidently share their thoughts.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

Five and the Forest of Secrets was selected to develop readers' ability to follow clues, make predictions and draw conclusions using evidence. Its mystery and teamwork strengthen inference, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills while building vocabulary and reading comprehension.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to identify underlying messages, make connections between events, interpret characters' decisions and explain their opinions using evidence.

WHY WE SELECTED THIS BOOK

The Maze Runner was selected for its exploration of survival, leadership, trust and human behaviour under pressure. Through Thomas's experiences, readers are encouraged to question authority, evaluate difficult decisions and consider different perspectives. Its suspenseful plot and underlying mysteries also encourage readers to analyse character motivations and develop evidence-based arguments.

WHAT READERS SHOULD ACHIEVE

Readers should be able to analyse character motivations, identify literary devices, compare viewpoints, construct arguments and participate in thoughtful discussions about challenging subjects.