For several years now the junior curriculum programme has involved sustained silent reading on a Wednesday – in both terms two and three.
Students are engaged in an extension reading group, remedial plans or silent reading within their rōpū group. The programme aims to encourage students to read more, as research shows that good reading habits impact positively on academic success. The results have shown increased scores in the Progressive Achievement Tests both in comprehension and vocabulary skills that are above-expected progress. Continuing a reading habit has had an impact on NCEA pass rates, particularly at Merit and Excellence levels.