We Learn, We Respect, We Succeed!
Phonics Curriculum Statement
Intent
At Brentnall Academy we believe that the teaching of phonics is vital in order for children to become competent readers and writers. Phonics is implemented throughout school with a consistent approach to ensure rapid progression for all children. We aim to encourage children to read daily and create a habit of reading widely and often, to develop a love for reading.
We recognise the importance of learning and to nurture a culture where children take pride in their reading. We want to encourage children to be confident readers, use and understand a wide range vocabulary and be able to discuss what they have read.
We believe that children need consistent practice and continuity of teaching and learning of Phonics to become fluent readers. We aim to meet the needs of all children through a clear pathway of progression,that provides differentiation and challenge according to the needs of all pupils. We believe that a secure basis in reading skills is fundamental to a high quality education and will give our children the tools they need to be successful and to participate fully as a member of society.
Implementation
These aims are embedded across our Phonics lessons and the wider curriculum. We follow a progressive and well- structured phonics curriculum that provides opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. The Read, write Inc Phonics scheme ensures daily sessions of Read, Write Inc phonics are taught and are consistent within the school.
We also develop writing skills through phonics and this gives the children the opportunity to apply writing phonemes taught to their writing.
We ensure that children have a curriculum that is in-line with the 2014 National Curriculum for English.
The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:
- read easily, fluently and with good understanding
- develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
- acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
- appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
- write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
- use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
Our children progress well in early reading through the use of the Read, Write, Inc programme from Reception – Year 2 and continue to develop a range of reading skills, as well as a love of reading.
Teachers reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in Phonics and experiencing success in phonics lessons. This is achieved through regular, careful assessment and differentiated groups from Reception to Year 2.
Teaching and learning is underpinned by a methodical curriculum design and supported by carefully crafted lessons and resources to foster deep conceptual and procedural knowledge.
Practice and consolidation play a central role. Carefully designed variation within this builds fluency and understanding .Children are encouraged to ask if they don’t understand a word and to be curious about vocabulary.
Teachers use carefully structured questioning in class and assess children regularly to help children be successful.
Impact
Brentnall has a respectful and supportive ethos and our approaches support learning and develop verbal skills, independence and collaborative skills. The impact on our children is clear: progress, sustained learning and transferrable skills. With the implementation of phonics and reading being taught progressively across school, we have a community of enthusiastic readers. Regular and ongoing assessments inform teaching, as well as interventions, to support and enable the success of every learner at Brentnall.
We hope that as children move on from Brentnall, they take their passion for Reading and high aspirations with them and continue to be successful.
Phonics
At Brentnall Academy we believe that the teaching of phonics is vital in order for children to become competent readers and writers. Phonics needs to be implemented throughout school with a consistent approach to ensure rapid progression of all children. We aim to encourage children to read daily and develop a love for reading in and out of school. At Brentnall we use the Read, Write, Inc. Phonics Scheme as we feel that it provides a consistent approach to the teaching of early reading and ensures the best progress for our younger readers. Our Phonics Screening results have seen an upwards trend over the past four years, since starting the scheme.
Aims:
- To establish consistent practice, progression and continuity in the teaching and learning of phonics throughout EYFS and Lower School.
- To differentiate and challenge individuals according to the needs of all pupils.
- To provide children with strategies to enable them to become fluent readers and confident writers.
- To promote a love for reading for all children at Brentnall.
These aims will be delivered by:
- Daily sessions of Read, Write Inc. phonics scheme, consistent within the school.
- Careful differentiation for all ability groups, addressing the needs of children with special educational needs and gifted children, based on ongoing assessment each half term.
- Phonics intervention groups/activities for any children that need support.
We have a structured approach to the teaching of Phonics that begins on entry to the Nursery and continues throughout the school, incorporating spelling strategies and rules. There are two aspects to teaching Phonics: segmenting which supports writing and blending which supports reading. Throughout the teaching of Phonics, children are also introduced to tricky words, words that do not follow the conventions.
We use the Read Write Inc. Phonics materials to teach reading and our children take home RWI reading books. These are carefully matched to their ability to further support progression and continuity. Children are encouraged to read at home and develop a love of books through stories and library visits.
Phonics interactive websites and games
phonics play
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/resources
Phonics bloom
Letters and sounds bingo
https://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/bingoOriginal/index.html