The teaching of phonics is delivered with fidelity through the systematic, synthetic phonics programme Read Write Inc (RWI). All children in Reception, KS1 and, where necessary, KS2 have daily phonics sessions in ability groups that are matched to their current needs.
Language development through RWI:
- Phonics instruction: Teachers use systematic phonics instruction to teach children the relationship between sounds and letters. This empowers them to decode words accurately and build their vocabulary.
- Word contextualisation: New vocabulary is introduced in the context of meaningful sentences and passages so that children understand how words are used in real-world situations.
- Word exploration activities: Interactive activities, such as word games and word sorts, are integrated into lessons to engage children in actively exploring and practising new words.
- Storybook engagement: Through reading specially selected storybooks, children encounter a wide range of words and phrases to further contribute to their vocabulary growth.
Fluency focus through RWI:
- Daily Practice: Children engage in daily reading practice to build fluency. This consistent exposure to texts at their instructional level helps them develop the ability to read smoothly and with confidence. This is supported by strategies such as ‘jump in’ and ‘echo’ reading.
- Modelling fluent reading: Teachers model fluent reading during guided reading sessions to allow children to observe and internalise correct pacing, intonation and expression.
- Repeated reading: Children engage in repeated readings of texts to reinforce fluency. This practice helps increase automaticity in word recognition and contributes to smoother, more confident reading.
The teaching of comprehension through RWI:
- Questioning the text: Teachers guide children in asking questions before, during and after reading to stimulate deeper thinking including asking about main ideas, details and the author’s purpose.
- Making inferences: Children are taught to make inferences based on evidence in the text or images. They learn to draw conclusions and make predictions about the content.
- Analysing story elements: Teachers help children analyse elements such as characters, plot, setting and theme to help deepen their understanding of the text’s structure and meaning.
As part of the programme, all children on RWI are assessed every six weeks and are grouped according to their phonic ability.
Inclusive Practice:
- Daily targeted flashcards
- Flexible groupings
- Adult support