Why is our language so tricky?

England has been invaded so many times throughout its history and each set of invaders brought new words and new sounds with them. As a result, English only has around 44 spoken sounds but there are around 120 ‘codes’ or ways of writing down those 44 sounds. We only have 26 letters in the alphabet so some graphemes are made up from more than one letter. Some codes can represent more than one sound, i.e. the letters ch are code for different sounds in the words ‘chip’ ‘school’ and ‘chef’

No Nonsense Phonics Skills

The programme begins in Reception and continues through until the first term of Year 2. Pupils practise reading from ‘code’, to word, to text level with a content-rich vocabulary. They learn to apply and extend their phonics when reading and writing, developing their comprehension and evoking their imagination.

Terminology

Throughout the programme, children will refer to these terms when talking about phonics and reading –

Code: A letter or combination of letters, e.g. “These letters are code for the sound __”

Sound: The spoken sound represented by a code.

Each code is taught with dual-coding, meaning that it has a corresponding word and picture. This helps children to transfer their learning into long-term memory.

‘Keep up’ not ‘catch up’

Children at all stages of their phonics and reading learning are supported to ensure that they are able to make good progress. Regular assessment and targeted interventions ensure that gaps in skills or knowledge are addressed quickly and effectively for the children.

Nursery

Our Nursery children learn to listen and to distinguish sounds through rhythm and rhymes, songs and a range of literature. These pre-phonics skills are a vital stepping stone to becoming good readers when they begin learning the English Alphabetic Code.

In the Spring term, they begin the Teeny Reading Seeds programme which supports their transition to the No Nonsense Programme in Reception. Children learn the names of the letters in the alphabet and the sounds that they represent. This learning is reinforced in the provision through art, role play, rhymes and songs.

Year 1 – Phonics Screening Check

In Year 1, pupils are required to undertake an assessment called the Phonics Screening Check. This usually takes place in June and is to confirm whether they have reached an age-appropriate standard of reading.

Children are well prepared for this with regular practise during the school year. Staff are experienced in ensuring that children are familiar with the process and are as relaxed as possible. If you have any further queries regarding the Phonics Screening Check, please speak to your class teacher.