What is ECC’s Tutor Reading Programme? 

Twice a week during registration, each Year 7-10 tutor group will be read aloud to them by their tutor for between 15–30 minutes. The collection of books in the programme has been carefully chosen. All pupils will have a copy to follow along from.

Our Tutor Reading Programme: Exploring Big Ideas Through Great Books 

Imagine your child starting their day immersed in a great story. Twice a week during morning registration, our Year 7–10 tutors will read aloud to their groups for 15 to 30 minutes. We have handpicked a fantastic, diverse collection of books for this programme, and every student will read their own copy to follow along. 

At the heart of this initiative is a simple goal: we want every student at ECC to fall in love with reading. We know that being a confident reader opens doors for your child's future. Research consistently shows that regular reading transforms vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills, boosting academic achievement across all subjects. 

By listening to a tutor read aloud, students can access brilliant, thought-provoking literature that they might not choose to pick up independently. 

Why Shared Reading Matters for Your Child 

• Builds a Sense of Belonging: Sharing the same stories creates a strong community and a shared cultural experience across the tutor group. 

• Inspires Lifelong Curiosity: Our carefully selected reading journey exposes students to a rich variety of authors, genres, and themes; helping them grow into ambitious, lifelong readers. 

• Broadens Perspectives: Immersing students in diverse literature helps them understand the world through the eyes of others, developing deep empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. 

• Nurtures Wellbeing & Mental Health: Reading provides a peaceful space for reflection. Discussing characters' lives helps students build emotional literacy, compassion, and self-awareness. 

• Enriches Language Skills: Regular exposure to complex texts naturally expands your child’s vocabulary and grasp of advanced grammar. 

• Models Brilliant Reading: Hearing a tutor read aloud demonstrates excellent pronunciation, pacing, phrasing, and emotional tone. 

• Creates a Calm Start to the Day: This routine offers a relaxed, screen-free morning environment, helping students settle into school with a focused mindset. 

Navigating Real-World Challenges Together 

To help our students grow into thoughtful and considerate individuals, some of our selected books explore complex, real-world challenges, including racism, sexism, grief, illness, disability, and the refugee experience. We believe it is vital to face these big topics together, rather than leaving students to navigate them alone. Therefore, each text ends with an opportunity for students to discuss the themes with their tutor in a safe environment. Through these powerful stories, your child will learn to challenge stereotypes, appreciate different cultures, and develop a greater understanding of the world around them. 

How You Can Support at Home 

We would love for you to join us on this reading journey! You don’t need to read the books yourself to make a big impact. Here are a few simple ways you can support your child at home: 

• Ask about the story: Try asking questions like, "What is happening in your tutor book at the moment?" or "What challenges is the main character facing right now?" 

• Discuss the big ideas: When your child mentions a complex topic or theme from their reading, use it as a springboard to chat about different perspectives together. 

• Encourage quiet reflection: Ask them how they are enjoying the calm start to their mornings twice a week. 

We are incredibly excited to see our students grow as readers, thinkers, and empathetic young people through this programme. If you have any questions about the book selections or the themes being discussed, please refer to the Tutor Reading Programme Learning Journey below, or alternatively, contact our Literacy Lead, Atlanta-Rose Simon at AtlantaRose.Simon@exmouthcollege.org