Reading Development Course Launch Event (Secondary)

A launch event introducing the Reading Development Course (RDC): “a highly structured, rapidly effective reading intervention designed for learners in KS3 not yet reading at age-related expectations.”

The session will outline impact data and demonstrate how the programme improves accuracy, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, and explain how it can be delivered efficiently in both whole-class and small-group contexts.

"Implementation of the Amber Package has led to clear improvements in reading fluency, as pupils are now able to read with greater pace, expression, and confidence. Importantly, the programme has also strengthened comprehension skills, allowing learners to engage more deeply with the wider curriculum 

A key strength of the package has been its role in helping us to break through the bottleneck of amber readers across KS3 in a timely manner. By providing intensive and focused intervention, it has accelerated progress and enabled most pupils to achieve age-related reading ability in a relatively short space of time. 

Overall, the package has proven to be a valuable and impactful resource, supporting both staff and students in achieving measurable improvements in reading outcomes and contributing to a stronger culture of literacy across the school."

Matthew Bentham, Assistant Headteacher
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School

Why Attend?

• To understand a unique, high-impact, low-cost intervention proven to improve reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension within just 30 sessions. 
• To hear outcomes of the pilot and learn how the programme can transform reading profiles for struggling learners, including those in AP settings. 
• To see how the Reading Development Course aligns with the new Ofsted framework, prioritising the foundational skills of accurate and fluent word reading

What will it cover?

• The structure and components of the Reading Development Course (HFW practice, grapheme review, vocabulary pre-teaching, prosody, purposeful comprehension). 
• How the programme ensures reduced cognitive load and predictable structure for maximum progress. 
• Guidance on implementation in mainstream and AP settings.

"We have used the Amber Reading Development Programme with Year 7s since 2023. Students are tested on their reading age and then setted into Green/Amber/Red reader sets. 

In the shorter half term (usually Jan-Feb), Green readers complete a faster read of a classic novel, whilst Amber and Red readers complete the programme. 

We have seen immense improvement in phonics, vocabulary development and confidence in reading. 

The ‘I say, You say’ approach is now embedded across our English curriculum, and it has been a great inclusion into our Y7 curriculum, particularly as we support their transition to secondary."

Roisin McKean, Subject Leader - English 
St John Bosco Arts College

Who should attend?
Headteachers, Senior Leaders, English Leads, Reading Leads, Literacy Leads, PP Leads, SENDCos, AP Senior Leadership Teams (The RDC specifically targets KS3 and is relevant to mainstream secondary settings and AP provisions.)

This launch event is free to attend.  

All cancellations must be completed online at www.sil-ltd.co.uk at least 48 hours in advance.