Thomas Adams School
Literacy
At Thomas Adams, literacy is at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about nurturing confident readers, writers, and communicators. We believe that every student should be equipped with the literacy skills they need to thrive — not only in school but in life.
We are a reading school
Why Reading Matters
Reading is much more than a school skill — it’s a lifelong tool. It:
- Builds vocabulary and enhances language development.
- Sparks creativity, imagination and curiosity.
- Improves fluency, accuracy and concentration.
- Opens windows into new worlds and perspectives.
- Supports success across all subjects — not just English.
- Improves wellbeing, reduces stress, and fosters empathy.
- Is accessible, low-cost, and enjoyable.
Reading isn’t just encouraged — it’s embedded in our curriculum, culture, and daily life.
How we support
Literacy
Key Vocabulary
Across all subjects, key words and technical terms are highlighted to support student understanding. Pupils encounter and build familiarity with these throughout their time with us, preparing them for success in both classwork and examinations.
Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar (SPaG)
We reinforce SPaG in every subject area. Accuracy in communication is key, whether writing an essay or compiling a science report.
Thomas Adams
Reading Across The School
THE THOMAS ADAMS
Form-Time Reading
During weekly form-time sessions, all students engage in guided reading from age-appropriate, high-interest texts. This encourages shared discussion, reading for pleasure, and confidence-building. Click here to explore our current form-time reading list. All students in Years 7 to 9 also participate in one dedicated reading lesson each week. These sessions focus on group texts and help develop comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills in an engaging, supportive environment.
THE THOMAS ADAMS
KS3 Reading
Students in Years 7 and 8 benefit further from access to Fiction Express, a fun, interactive online reading platform often used for homework. Here, pupils can vote on plot twists in live books and browse a wide library of previously published titles. Our popular peer reading initiative, A Book & A Biscuit, pairs younger students with older reading mentors. During morning form time, they enjoy a shared text, boosting fluency, building confidence, and fostering a love for reading.
THE THOMAS ADAMS
Reading Support
Reading and spelling ages are assessed upon entry in Year 7 and monitored regularly throughout Key Stage 3. For students requiring additional support, tailored individualised interventions are provided, with continuity into Key Stage 4 where appropriate. These efforts ensure that every student is given the opportunity to thrive as a reader. By combining group reading, one-to-one support, and digital platforms, we strive to embed reading for pleasure and progress across the school.
ONLINE
School Library
Our library is a central hub of literacy and learning, with a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and subject-specific resources. Students can borrow books, conduct research, or relax with a good read.
- Books are available for all interests and reading levels.
- The library catalogue can be accessed and searched online.
Lost or badly damaged books will incur a replacement charge.
We stock a wide range of books, a minority of which might contain ‘bad’ language, references to sexual relationships or other controversial issues such as drug use or violence. By exploring such themes and situations in a fictional setting, young people can gain an awareness of possible outcomes in a risk-free environment.
Browse our online school library
We also host a wide range of events and clubs in the library throughout the year — including reading groups, a science book panel, and performance poetry. We celebrate national and global events like World Book Day, Black History Month and Armistice Day.
Our full-time School Librarian is supported by Student Librarians, who help with book loans, displays and recommendations. Year 9 and 10 students can also volunteer as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Literacy in the
Curriculum
Each subject area at Thomas Adams has developed tailored literacy strategies. These include:
- Reading technical texts aloud in science or technology.
- Exploring vocabulary in geography or physical education.
- Practising clear writing in subjects like history and business.
We are also expanding our library’s subject-based collections to further support curriculum learning.
At home
Reading
Parental encouragement plays a vital role in a child’s literacy journey. Supporting your child to read at home, whether it’s a novel, a comic, a blog, or an audiobook, makes a real difference.
Every form of reading counts.
If you’d like to know more about our literacy programmes or how you can support at home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our Speak to Us button.
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000