Reading at OLST
Developing key reading skills through high-quality teaching is the key priority for our children. Furthermore, in EYFS, texts of all genres are part of the continuous provision provided. In both EYFS / KS1, staff will often use storybooks as a stimulus for our weekly ‘Wonderful Writing’ sessions which are run alongside the RWI lessons the children have. At KS2, studying whole texts in lessons – Novel Study - develops children’s love of reading by giving them the opportunity to read and listen to texts and authors they might not have chosen to read for themselves. It also provides opportunities for them to encounter a wide variety of genres and build understanding of the link between reading and writing.
Teachers carefully craft writing tasks based upon the novel being studied, as well as seeking other opportunities for writing. We have daily guided reading comprehension sessions to ensure that children read age-related texts and answer V.I.P.E.R.S (Vocabulary, Inference, Predict, Explain, Retrieve and Summarise / Sequence) as our method to explicitly teach each skill. These whole class or group reading comprehension sessions are used as a powerful tool to allow all children to make progress in reading and provide regular and supportive opportunities for children to encounter engaging texts that will resonate with their interests and capture their imagination.
Reading Documents
Reading Gallery
Our Partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
At Our Lady & St Thomas, we are proud to collaborate with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) —one of the world’s leading theatre companies—to bring the magic of Shakespeare to life in our classrooms. This exciting partnership enriches our curriculum through drama, literature and performance, helping children to develop both a deep appreciation for language and a wide range of transferable skills.
Shakespeare in Class 4
Each year, our Class 4 pupils embark on a unique and inspiring journey through a selected Shakespearean play. As part of a cluster of local schools working with the RSC, pupils are immersed in Shakespeare’s world—exploring complex characters, dramatic themes and rich language in a way that is fun, meaningful and accessible.
Throughout the year, children participate in interactive workshops, drama sessions and collaborative activities led by our teachers and RSC facilitators. These sessions build pupils’ confidence, teamwork and creativity while developing their understanding of classical literature.
A Cluster of Creativity
Our school is part of a local RSC learning cluster, allowing our school and pupils to share resources, best practices and performance opportunities with other schools in our area. This wider network enhances the learning journey and gives children opportunities to collaborate beyond the classroom.
The Final Performance
The highlight of the programme is a live performance, where Class 4 pupils take to the stage in front of an audience. This final production celebrates months of hard work and creativity. It is a joyful, empowering experience that showcases the transformation of our young learners into confident, expressive performers.
Shakespeare Ambassadors: Fostering a Love for Drama and Literature
Our Shakespeare Ambassadors play a key role in promoting a love for Shakespeare and the performing arts across the school. These dedicated pupils work closely with the RSC to lead events, support drama projects and inspire others to engage with English literature.
Through collaborative planning and student-led initiatives, ambassadors help to shape the way Shakespeare is celebrated at OLST. From organising assemblies and themed days to contributing to classroom learning, they act as positive role models and creative leaders.
Becoming a Shakespeare Ambassador is a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop their leadership, communication and critical thinking skills, while immersing themselves in the world of theatre and storytelling. The programme empowers student voice, fosters a strong sense of community, and nurtures a lifelong love for literature and performance
