At Unity Academy, we are committed to ensuring reading is a priority in every secondary classroom. We utilise a structured, evidence-informed Three-Step Reading Model to ensure every student can confidently develop their reading skills and fully access the curriculum. This model is rooted in guidance from the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) on effective reading approaches and is applied across all subjects to empower students, helping them become skilled readers who can successfully navigate their studies and grow into lifelong learners.
Step One: Activate Prior Knowledge
Before diving into a new text, we begin by activating students’ prior knowledge. This step is key to helping students connect their existing understanding with new content, making the material more accessible and meaningful. By building these connections, students are better prepared to engage with and comprehend the text.
Step Two: Question
In the second step, we encourage students to question the text actively. They examine key content, and discuss unfamiliar vocabulary. This questioning approach not only deepens comprehension but also helps students develop critical thinking skills, fostering curiosity and a deeper engagement with the reading material. At this point staff will often utilise the Wiki bookmarks or SEEC model (see the examples below) to support students in accessing vocabulary.
Step Three: Summarise
The final step focuses on summarising. Here, students learn to extract and condense the essential information from what they have read. This skill is crucial for understanding the core ideas and retaining knowledge, allowing students to effectively process and communicate their learning.
