In Lower School, all children take part in regular phonics sessions following the Department for Education approved scheme ‘Little Wandle’.
Phonics begins in the early years by developing the listening skills to distinguish between different sounds in the environment, to develop an awareness of rhyme, and to hear and say sounds in words. Children then move on to linking sounds to letters. We use the Little Wandle phonics scheme to teach children to hear, say and write letter sounds and to develop blending skills. We create opportunities in the classroom and outdoor provision for children to apply this learning to their play.
In lower school we use ‘Big Cat Phonics for Little Wandle’ books which are matched specifically to the sounds the children have learned so far. This ensures children are accessing books where they can use their knowledge of phonics to practise blending letter sounds to read words, and to recognise ‘tricky’ words by sight, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to read successfully. When children are secure with phonics and able to read more fluently, they have access to a range of other books such as Project X Alien Adventures. and Oxford Reading Tree.
In Upper School, pupils use ‘Reading Pro’. After each book they read, pupils complete a fun quiz. These quizzes support pupil comprehension skills.
Please download a spellings list for Years 1 to 6.
