Phonics
Phonics is given high priority at St James', with daily sessions in Early Years and Key Stage 1. The scheme that we use to teach synthetic phonics is ‘Letters and Sounds’ and this is supplemented by the 'Phonics Play' website'. 'Letters and Sounds' provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching phonics. All staff who deliver our phonics programme receive comprehensive training to ensure consistent practice across our school. Children are routinely assessed on their ability to recognise graphemes, to blend and segment phonemes, as well as their ability to use phonemes to read. Extra intervention is provided where appropriate.
In Reception class a weekly phonics book is sent home so that parents are kept informed of the new sounds covered each week. For reading we use a range of reading schemes to promote a love of reading. Our books are matched to the phoneme that is being taught that week. All the reading books encourage pupils to use, practise and develop their phonic skills. A reading record also goes home with each child to help parents communicate with the class teacher. Pupils are encouraged to read at home every evening and discuss the story with their parents and carers. Reading books are changed regularly. Please see the link below to help you support your child at home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher.
Sounds of the English Phonic Code (video)
