Teaching Phonics, Reading and Writing
Phonics
At St Mary's we follow the teaching sequence set out by FFT Success for All from phases 1 to 5 in Reception and Year 1 and follow Spelling with the Jungle Club in Year 2.
In EYFS and KS1, these sessions are delivered at least once daily for 20 minutes. Morning sessions are differentiated according to the needs of the children and afternoon sessions are taught as whole class, with some activities for independent learning. Each Phonics Session will consist of four parts: Review, Teach, Practise, Apply. These sessions will give daily opportunities for blending and segmenting.
The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory test for all Year 1 children, delivered in June. For further information, click on the links below.
Phonics Screening Check - Information for Parents
Phonics screening check sample materials
Reading
Reading is much more than the decoding of black marks on a page. It is a process that requires understanding and response to all types of writing. We aim to encourage reading for pleasure, where stories are shared, authors recommended and a lifelong love of reading is developed.
In KS1 we support the children’s reading with FFT Success For All phonics teaching and decodable books which are closely matched to the children's phonic knowledge. We intervene for children who need additional support with their phonics and reading.
In KS2, the children will participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) programme. The AR programme is an effective way of giving the older children a little more independence in their choice of reading material, whilst still enabling us to track and promote reading.
Comprehension skills are developed through discussion, with adults, individually and in whole class reading lessons. Whole class reading lessons take place regularly, often using VIPERS as a text analysis tool.
Please click on the links below to find out more about Phonics and Reading at St Mary's:
How to Access Accelerated Reader
Writing
At St Marys we use a variety of teaching and learning styles. Our principal aim is to develop children's knowledge, skills and understanding. In our lessons, we encourage the children to ask as well as answer questions. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of resources to support their learning. Wherever possible, we encourage the children to apply their learning to everyday situations.
Please click on the links below to find out more about the English Curriculum at St Mary's:
Year 3 and 4 Curriculum Overview
Year 5 and 6 Curriculum Overview