A Spotlight on Reading 

It’s no doubt that both teachers and parents want our students and children to succeed in school, and beyond. To do so, one of the most essential skills students need to develop is strong reading comprehension, as these skills are fundamental not only for academic success but also for critical thinking, communication, and lifelong learning. In today’s fast-paced, information-driven world, being able to read effectively is more important than ever.

Reading is the foundation of learning across all subjects. Whether a student is tackling a complex maths problem, conducting a science experiment, or analysing historical events, strong reading skills enable them to absorb and process information effectively. Without solid reading comprehension, students can struggle to understand assignments, follow instructions, and grasp key concepts, limiting their potential for success in and beyond the classroom. 

Reading comprehension goes beyond simply understanding words on a page. It involves interpreting meaning, identifying themes, making inferences, and evaluating arguments. These higher-order thinking skills are essential for problem-solving and making informed decisions in everyday life. By engaging with diverse texts and a range of genres, students learn to consider different perspectives and think critically.

This is why one of our 2025 strategic priorities is a schoolwide focus on reading comprehension improvement. To compliment the wonderful work already happening in classrooms, students in Year 7 & 8 are learning to read and annotate texts using our MAP it PEEL back strategy.

This explicit strategy is a resource students can use to identify the genre, author, audience, and purpose of a text, whilst unpacking more specific details such as point of view, explicit information, evidence and literary devices. 

This explicit reading instruction ensures that students develop a deep understanding of important texts studied in class. Unlike passive exposure to reading materials, our explicit MAP it PEEL back strategy assists teacher in checking for student’s understanding of written texts, and is particularly beneficial for struggling readers, as it provides targeted support to help them develop confidence and reading proficiency. 

By teaching students how to read and annotate a variety of texts methodically, we aim to prepare our students for academic success and lifelong learning.

Ask your daughter today about our MAP it PEEL back strategy, and consider ways you can continue to support her engagement with reading at home. By encouraging reading practice using MAP it PEEL back, you too can support your daughter in her academic success, career readiness, and help inspire a lifelong love of learning.