At NOA, we are committed to ensuring that every child can advcance in their literacy development, regardless of their starting point. The Tutor Time Reading Curriculum is an integral part of the NOA Literacy Curriculum. Our Tutorial reading programme supports student’s literacy development as students benefit considerably from hearing teachers model fluent reading, hearing text read with appropriate pace, expression, punctutaion and phrasing. The programme is an excellent opportunity to increase students’ reading opportunities and expose them to a wide range of texts, further developing their comprehension skills and vocabulary, while also broadening their engagment with themes and issues beyond their everyday expriences.
Reading in tutor is a social experience that builds our sense of community and belonging. Acting as both a mirror and window in the worlds of our students, the reading programme covers a wealth of themes and concepts, people and cultures, ideas and debates, that expand our cultural awareness and develop our school and character values.
For example:
- “In Lois Lowry’s ‘The Giver’ (Year 7), Respect for knowledge and experience is a key theme. This is exemplified by The Giver, who mentors Jonas. He quietly demonstrates determination as he works to pass on wisdom and helps Jonas grasp the profound and often challenging burdens of memory, instilling in Jonas the confidence to seek the truth for himself and the future of others.
- In R.J. Palacio's Wonder (Year 8), the themes of Confidence, Respect, Ambition, Determination and tolerance are deeply woven into the story. The novel follows the journey of the main character, who faces the challenge of fitting in at school while living with a facial disfigurement. Through his experiences, the narrative highlights the importance of respecting differences, striving to overcome obstacles, persevering through hardships, and embracing acceptance in the face of adversity.
- In Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (Year 9), Respect is demonstrated by Callum and Sephy as they develop their confidence to defy dangerous societal norms, valuing each other beyond the prejudice dividing Noughts and Crosses. Ambition is reflected in Sephy's dream of achieving equality, while Callum strives for a life free from the constraints of his identity. Determination is shown through their enduring love, which persists despite the relentless societal barriers they face.
- In Lord of the Flies by William Golding (Year 9), Confidence is displayed by Ralph, who steps into leadership with conviction, believing strongly in rules, rescue and democracy. Respect is first evident in the boys’ use of the conch to give everyone a voice, but gradually erodes as fear and power struggles of misplaced ambition lead to cruelty and chaos. Determination is present in Ralph and Piggy’s refusal to give up on order despite the rising chaos.
- In Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (Year 9), Confidence is shown through Amal’s belief in his identity as an artist and poet, even when the world tries to define him by stereotypes. Respect is reflected in the way Amal connects with others who see his humanity—like Zenobia and Ms. Imani—despite the system’s attempts to strip it away. Ambition is seen in Amal’s dream to express himself through art and poetry, using creativity to rise above injustice. Determination shines through his refusal to be broken by wrongful incarceration, as he continues to write, draw, and fight for his truth.
