Our Reading Culture
At Mark Rutherford School, we are passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of reading in every student. We believe that reading not only enriches academic achievement but also opens doors to imagination, empathy, and personal growth. Our well-stocked Space for Learning is a vibrant hub of activity, hosting regular events such as themed reading weeks, author visits, and our Scholastic Book Fair that inspire curiosity and engagement. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of genres and voices, and our Reader Leaders play a key role in promoting reading for pleasure across the school. They help organise book clubs, lead reading challenges, and support younger students in finding books that spark their interest. Our Reader Leaders also support during our Key Stage 3 Library Lessons, where they listen to our younger students read, mentor and coach them into being proficient readers. In these library lessons, students use Accelerated Reader to support them to progress in their level of reading, engaging in quizzes based on the texts that they have read.
To guide students in their reading journey, we provide carefully curated recommended reading for pleasure lists tailored to each year group. These lists include both classic and contemporary texts, chosen to stretch vocabulary, deepen understanding, and foster enjoyment. You can find these here:
Recommended Reading Lists
Year 7 books - a recommended reading list for 11 year olds
Year 8 books - a recommended reading list for 12 year olds
Year 9 books - a recommended reading list for 13 year olds
Year 10 books - a recommended reading list for 14 year olds
Year 11 books - a recommended reading list for 15 year olds
Sixth Form Reading List Book Recommendations
We also celebrate student voice by inviting pupils to share their favourite books through reviews, displays, and video recommendations—giving our Rutherford Readers ownership of their reading experience and encouraging peer-to-peer inspiration.
Through these initiatives, Mark Rutherford School aims to create a reading culture that is inclusive, dynamic, and deeply embedded in school life. We invite parents and carers to be part of this journey by engaging with our reading lists, attending events, and encouraging reading at home. Together, we can help every student discover the joy and power of reading.