Phonics
Intent
At Becket Primary school we use the Twinkl Phonics Programme which offers a coherently planned sequence of lessons that supports the effective teaching of phonics within EYFS, KS1 and, where appropriate, KS2.
In FS1 we start by assessing children using Literacy Launchpad, which then enables teachers to set relevant next steps and help children develop the skills needed for learning phonics such as the ability to listen, maintain attention and develop the essential key concept vocabulary needed for literacy acquisition. Alongside this, Level 1 Twinkl Phonics provides themed teaching packs to deliver each of the DfE’s Phase 1 phonics aspects. Throughout Level 1, young learners develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to discriminate between and use auditory, environmental and instrumental sounds. Level 1 is taught in the EYFS and runs throughout the teaching of phonics Levels 2-6. In reception, children work within Levels 2-4. Here learners are introduced to phonemes/sounds and graphemes/letters systematically. They also learn to develop and apply blending and segmenting skills for reading and writing.
Within KS1, children work within Levels 5 and 6. The coherently planned sequence of lessons within Level 5 allows opportunities for children to apply their phonics knowledge and skills as the prime approach to reading and spelling. It focuses on phonetically decodable two-syllable and three-syllable words and the alternative ways of pronouncing and representing the long vowel phonemes. Furthermore, children will develop their ability to attempt to read and spell increasingly complex words. By Level 6, children explore spelling patterns and grammar while also developing a breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding in the recognition and spelling of common exception words.
Once children get to KS2 and have passed the phonic screening check they then move onto the Read Write Inc spelling programme. Where children have been through the Twinkle Phonics Programme, having had intervention in KS1 and not passed the screening check children are assessed on any gaps in their phonics knowledge and receive directed teaching input based on the dynamic blending strategies. Children that are new to phonics will have teaching based on the school SSP as used in KS1.
At Becket we intend to not only provide children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding essential for reading and writing, but also, to develop each child’s confidence, resilience and engagement in phonics lessons and a love for reading and writing.
Implementation
At Becket Primary School, The Twinkl Phonics Progression Map sets clear expectations for pupil’s progress within the Twinkl Phonics Programme. The tracking document attached (which has been inputted into an online phonics tracker) allows headteachers, senior leaders, teachers and practitioners to track pupil’s progress. It provides opportunities for data analysis and encourages discussions around pupil progress half termly enabling staff to respond quickly and adapt teaching within the programme to provide additional support and challenge to pupils where necessary. The bottom 20% in each class are reviewed regularly to check progress and that interventions are relevant and impacting on the gaps in their learning.
The dynamic and engaging materials delivered in the daily planning packs within Levels 2-6 ensure a clearly defined structure to the teaching of phonics. The direct teacher-led lessons enable all learners to develop and apply new skills while also providing opportunities to further apply these skills within fun and engaging activities and through continuous provision. The teaching PowerPoints, stories, games, additional texts and toolkits are meticulously planned to allow children to apply and practise phonics skills. They also offer opportunities to challenge learners and provide support to teachers and parents. Teacher guides for each stage are provided to allow teachers, supply staff and adults working with children to feel confident in their own subject knowledge, knowing they are fulfilling the national phonics criteria and enabling each child to achieve their potential.
Impact
At Becket Primary school, children will develop their phonics skills and knowledge through a systematic, synthetic approach, alongside the teaching of key comprehension strategies in separate reading sessions using the VIPERS (vocabulary, inference, prediction, explain, retrieve, sequence / summarise) while covering the statutory requirements outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum. We strive to develop fluency, confidence and a love of reading as well as prepare children for the statutory year 1 phonics screening check and the reading SATS. This will give our children the essential skills needed throughout their learning life from primary to secondary to higher education and onto successful careers.
