Reading and literacy
At Tavistock College, students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 participate in our Tavi Canon Tutor Reading Programme during three tutor reading sessions each week. We are proud to have introduced a new range of texts, selected in response to student voice, to further enhance students' reading experiences and foster a lifelong love of reading.
This year, we have aligned our reading programme with our learning cycles by introducing three carefully selected texts for each year group:
Year 10 Reading Programme
Year 10 students engage in an elevated reading programme more suitable to GCSE level reading skills. During these sessions, they explore a range of shorter, high-quality extracts and complete reading, inference and analytical activities designed to develop the advanced literacy skills required across the curriculum.
Book 1: Local Choice
A text written by a local author or one that explores our local area, heritage and community.
Book 2: International Choice
A text written by an international author or one that explores themes, perspectives and experiences through a multicultural lens.
Book 3: Teacher Choice
A text selected by teachers to complement and enrich the curriculum, helping students make meaningful connections between their reading and their wider learning.
Through the Tavi Canon, we aim to expose students to a diverse range of voices, cultures and perspectives while developing their reading fluency, comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Our Tavi Canon
Year 7
Local Choice: If the Invader comes by Tom Palmer
If the Invader Comes by Tom Palmer is a gripping World War Two adventure set in Cornwall in 1940. After the evacuation of Dunkirk, fears of a Nazi invasion spread across Britain. Three children – Bobble, Cadan and Cilla – are brought together when their parents become involved in dangerous secret war work. As enemy activity increases along the coast, the children find themselves undertaking patrols, rescuing people in danger and helping to protect their community. Faced with suspicion, frightening discoveries and the realities of war, they must learn to trust one another and show great courage in the face of growing threats.
International Choice: Tall Story by Candy Gourlay
Tall Story by Candy Gourlay is a heartwarming and unusual story about family, identity and belonging. Andi, a basketball-mad girl living in London, is excited when her long-lost half-brother Bernardo arrives from the Philippines. However, Bernardo is no ordinary teenager—he is over eight feet tall and suffers from gigantism. As the siblings adjust to life together, they face challenges, cultural differences and the attention Bernardo’s height attracts. Told through both characters’ perspectives, the novel explores friendship, family relationships and dreams, while blending humour with Filipino myths and legends. It is a touching story about accepting yourself and others
Teacher Choice: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling follows Harry Potter during his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry learns that Sirius Black, a dangerous prisoner, has escaped from Azkaban prison and is believed to be searching for him. As mysterious events unfold, Harry, Ron and Hermione investigate the truth behind Black’s escape. Along the way, they encounter Dementors, uncover long-hidden secrets and learn surprising information about Harry’s parents. Filled with friendship, suspense and adventure, the novel explores themes of loyalty, courage and justice while revealing that things are not always what they seem.
Year 8
Local Choice: Utterly Dark by Phillip Reeves
Utterly Dark and the Face of the Deep by Philip Reeve is a magical fantasy adventure set on the mysterious Autumn Isles. Utterly Dark, an orphan who was washed ashore as a baby, lives with Andrewe Dark, the Watcher of Wildsea. When her guardian suddenly drowns, Utterly must uncover the secrets behind his death while protecting the island from strange forces lurking in the sea. As she investigates old legends, hidden islands and terrifying sea creatures, she discovers surprising truths about her own past. Filled with mystery, magic and adventure, the novel explores bravery, belonging and the power of facing the unknown.
International Choice: Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin
Rebel Skies follows heroine Kurara on an epic journey abord the Midori flying ship towards the sky city. Unbeknown to Kurara she is a crafter and has special abilities to manipulate paper. Under Himura’s mentorship, she becomes a skilled crafter and together they use their skills to defend against the white paper Shikigami spirits who invade the Skylands. Based on Japanese fantast culture this novel is fast paced and full of epic battles and challenges.
Teacher Choice: The Disconnect by Keren David
The Disconnect by Keren David is a thought-provoking contemporary novel about technology, friendship and family. Sixteen-year-old Esther is offered the chance to win £1,000 if she can give up her smartphone for six weeks as part of a school challenge. Although the prize could help her visit her father and sister in New York, living without her phone proves difficult. As Esther spends less time online, she begins to reassess her friendships, social media habits and relationships with those around her. The novel explores the benefits and drawbacks of technology, showing how real-life connections can sometimes be more valuable than virtual ones.
Year 9
Local Choice: Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic mystery novel featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr Watson. When Sir Charles Baskerville dies under mysterious circumstances on the gloomy moors of Devon, rumours spread of a terrifying supernatural hound that has cursed the Baskerville family for generations. Holmes and Watson are asked to protect the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, and uncover the truth behind the legend. As they investigate strange events, hidden secrets and suspicious characters, they must determine whether the threat is supernatural or the work of a clever criminal. The novel combines mystery, suspense and Gothic atmosphere
International Choice: I must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a powerful historical novel set in Romania in 1989 during the final months of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist dictatorship. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of freedom, but he is forced to become an informer for the secret police in exchange for medicine for his grandfather. Living in a society filled with fear, surveillance and betrayal, Cristian struggles to protect the people he loves while resisting an oppressive regime. As protests and revolution spread across the country, he must decide whether to remain silent or risk everything for freedom. The novel explores courage, loyalty and the human cost of living under dictatorship
Teacher Choice: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Graphic Novel adapted from Robert Stevenson
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Graphic Novel) is a visual adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous Gothic story. Set in Victorian London, it follows the respected Dr Henry Jekyll, who creates a potion that allows him to separate the good and evil sides of his personality. The potion transforms him into the cruel and violent Mr Hyde, whose actions become increasingly dangerous and difficult to control. As lawyer Gabriel Utterson investigates the mystery surrounding Hyde, a shocking truth is revealed. Combining striking illustrations with suspense and horror, the graphic novel explores themes of duality, morality and the darker side of human nature.