Reading - Heartlands Academy
Source: https://heartlandsacademy.e-act.org.uk/academy-life/reading
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Reading - Heartlands Academy
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Reading
e-Platform Digital Library – A guide for parents and carers
Sparx Reader at Heartlands Academy
At Heartlands Academy, we believe that
reading is the foundation of success
and that developing strong literacy skills unlocks
opportunities for all students
. As part of our commitment to fostering a
culture of reading and academic excellence
, all students in
Key Stage 3
are expected to complete a minimum of
30 minutes of independent reading per week
using
Sparx Reader
outside of their lessons.
What is Sparx Reader?
Sparx Reader is an innovative online platform designed to help students
improve their fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
while engaging with a wide range of texts tailored to their reading level. The platform provides
adaptive challenges
to ensure all students are developing their reading skills at an appropriate pace.
How to login
Students can login to Sparx Reader using the
same details as their Sparx Maths account
. This makes it easy to access and track progress across both platforms. Please go to:
sparxreader.com
Recognising achievement
We celebrate students who demonstrate
commitment, resilience, and ambition
in their reading.
Regular awards, trips, and prizes
are given to students who engage consistently and make excellent progress.
By embracing Sparx Reader, students at Heartlands Academy are
building a habit of lifelong reading
, enhancing their academic success, and
empowering themselves with knowledge
.
Start reading today and unlock your potential!
Explore new worlds with our recommended reading lists for Years 7-11!
At Heartlands Academy, we believe in the power of reading to spark imaginations and enhance essential skills. We are excited to present our carefully curated recommended reading lists for students in Years 7-11. These lists have been thoughtfully selected to not only captivate young minds but also to foster a love for literature and improve reading skills.
How we encourage and promote reading at Heartlands Academy
Why read from Our recommended lists?
Diverse selections
Our recommended reading lists feature a diverse range of genres, authors, and themes. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, students can explore literature that resonates with their interests.
Skill enhancement
Each book on our lists is chosen with a focus on enhancing reading skills. Whether it’s improving vocabulary, comprehension, or critical thinking, our selections are designed to provide a holistic reading experience.
Spark imagination
Reading is a gateway to different worlds and perspectives. Our lists include books that will transport students to new realms, ignite their creativity, and encourage a lifelong love for reading.
Recommended reading lists
Dyslexia friendly books for struggling readers
Year-specific recommendations
Year 7
Dive into exciting adventures and coming-of-age tales that resonate with the experiences of our Year 7 students. From enchanting fantasies to relatable contemporary stories, there’s something for everyone.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 7 students
Year 8
Explore literature that challenges and inspires. Year 8 recommendations include thought-provoking titles that encourage critical thinking and exploration of complex themes.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 8 students
Year 9
Engage with literature that delves into diverse cultures, historical events, and the human experience. Year 9 recommendations offer a deeper understanding of the world through captivating narratives.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 9 students
Years 10 and 11
Prepare for academic challenges and broaden your literary horizons. Our Year 10-11 reading lists include both classic and contemporary works that will support academic development and enrich analytical skills.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our library page to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 10 students
Suggested reading list for Year 11 students
Graphic novel versions of GCSE English texts
Graphic novels versions of GCSE English novels and playscript set texts for teens and young adults in KS4: this list of books for students in Years 9-11 aged 14-16 contains recommended graphic novels versions of GCSE texts.
Graphic novels can appeal to reluctant readers and able readers alike and make challenging exam texts more accessible. This list of reading suggestions is revised regularly and includes books used by all the major GCSE exam boards in England and Wales.
Graphic novels
Happy reading!
At Heartlands Academy, we believe that reading is a lifelong adventure. We encourage our students to explore the wonders of literature, and we are confident that our recommended reading lists will be a valuable companion on their reading journey. Happy reading!
Author of the month
At Heartlands Academy, we celebrate a different
Author of the Month
to inspire a love of reading and introduce students to diverse voices and genres.
Why do we do this?
To spark curiosity
– Students explore new authors and styles.
To promote diversity
– We showcase writers from different backgrounds.
To encourage deeper reading
– Linked activities and discussions help develop understanding.
To create a reading culture
– Books, displays, and form-time discussions bring reading to life.
September – Roald Dahl
October – Malorie Blackman
November – Patrick Ness
December – David Walliams
January – John Green
February – Marcus Sedgwick
March – William Shakespeare
April – Cassandra Clare
May – James Dashner
June – Christopher Paolini
July – Veronica Roth
More from Academy life
Get in touch
How to apply for a place at Heartlands
Find out more
We recommend
Meet the team
Admissions arrangements
Contact us
Enhance your experience
We use cookies on this site to improve your user experience.
Accept
Manage your preferences
Reading
e-Platform Digital Library – A guide for parents and carers
Sparx Reader at Heartlands Academy
At Heartlands Academy, we believe that
reading is the foundation of success
and that developing strong literacy skills unlocks
opportunities for all students
. As part of our commitment to fostering a
culture of reading and academic excellence
, all students in
Key Stage 3
are expected to complete a minimum of
30 minutes of independent reading per week
using
Sparx Reader
outside of their lessons.
What is Sparx Reader?
Sparx Reader is an innovative online platform designed to help students
improve their fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
while engaging with a wide range of texts tailored to their reading level. The platform provides
adaptive challenges
to ensure all students are developing their reading skills at an appropriate pace.
How to login
Students can login to Sparx Reader using the
same details as their Sparx Maths account
. This makes it easy to access and track progress across both platforms. Please go to:
sparxreader.com
Recognising achievement
We celebrate students who demonstrate
commitment, resilience, and ambition
in their reading.
Regular awards, trips, and prizes
are given to students who engage consistently and make excellent progress.
By embracing Sparx Reader, students at Heartlands Academy are
building a habit of lifelong reading
, enhancing their academic success, and
empowering themselves with knowledge
.
Start reading today and unlock your potential!
Explore new worlds with our recommended reading lists for Years 7-11!
At Heartlands Academy, we believe in the power of reading to spark imaginations and enhance essential skills. We are excited to present our carefully curated recommended reading lists for students in Years 7-11. These lists have been thoughtfully selected to not only captivate young minds but also to foster a love for literature and improve reading skills.
How we encourage and promote reading at Heartlands Academy
Why read from Our recommended lists?
Diverse selections
Our recommended reading lists feature a diverse range of genres, authors, and themes. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, students can explore literature that resonates with their interests.
Skill enhancement
Each book on our lists is chosen with a focus on enhancing reading skills. Whether it’s improving vocabulary, comprehension, or critical thinking, our selections are designed to provide a holistic reading experience.
Spark imagination
Reading is a gateway to different worlds and perspectives. Our lists include books that will transport students to new realms, ignite their creativity, and encourage a lifelong love for reading.
Recommended reading lists
Dyslexia friendly books for struggling readers
Year-specific recommendations
Year 7
Dive into exciting adventures and coming-of-age tales that resonate with the experiences of our Year 7 students. From enchanting fantasies to relatable contemporary stories, there’s something for everyone.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 7 students
Year 8
Explore literature that challenges and inspires. Year 8 recommendations include thought-provoking titles that encourage critical thinking and exploration of complex themes.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 8 students
Year 9
Engage with literature that delves into diverse cultures, historical events, and the human experience. Year 9 recommendations offer a deeper understanding of the world through captivating narratives.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our
library page
to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 9 students
Years 10 and 11
Prepare for academic challenges and broaden your literary horizons. Our Year 10-11 reading lists include both classic and contemporary works that will support academic development and enrich analytical skills.
How to access the lists
Finding your next great read is easy! Visit our library page to access the recommended reading lists for each year group. The lists are updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
Suggested reading list for Year 10 students
Suggested reading list for Year 11 students
Graphic novel versions of GCSE English texts
Graphic novels versions of GCSE English novels and playscript set texts for teens and young adults in KS4: this list of books for students in Years 9-11 aged 14-16 contains recommended graphic novels versions of GCSE texts.
Graphic novels can appeal to reluctant readers and able readers alike and make challenging exam texts more accessible. This list of reading suggestions is revised regularly and includes books used by all the major GCSE exam boards in England and Wales.
Graphic novels
Happy reading!
At Heartlands Academy, we believe that reading is a lifelong adventure. We encourage our students to explore the wonders of literature, and we are confident that our recommended reading lists will be a valuable companion on their reading journey. Happy reading!
Author of the month
At Heartlands Academy, we celebrate a different
Author of the Month
to inspire a love of reading and introduce students to diverse voices and genres.
Why do we do this?
To spark curiosity
– Students explore new authors and styles.
To promote diversity
– We showcase writers from different backgrounds.
To encourage deeper reading
– Linked activities and discussions help develop understanding.
To create a reading culture
– Books, displays, and form-time discussions bring reading to life.
September – Roald Dahl
October – Malorie Blackman
November – Patrick Ness
December – David Walliams
January – John Green
February – Marcus Sedgwick
March – William Shakespeare
April – Cassandra Clare
May – James Dashner
June – Christopher Paolini
July – Veronica Roth
More from Academy life
Get in touch
How to apply for a place at Heartlands
Find out more
We recommend
Meet the team
Admissions arrangements
Contact us