English Lead: Mrs Sarah Owen

Phonics and reading

 

Spelling
From Reception to Year 2, children follow the Read Write Inc phonics programme. Children use this approach when spelling in the designated phonics sessions and in general class sessions.  Spelling patterns, common exception words and key spellings for subject-specific vocabulary are all taught and discussed regularly within lessons. RWI spelling mats and posters are readily available for the children to use within their learning environment. In KS2, children follow the No Nonsense Spelling scheme but still use techniques such as pinching sounds (Fred Fingers) and use the RWI phonics posters to provide continuity. 

Homework activities are set to allow children to develop their spelling skills: children learn the spellings for key and frequently-used vocabulary and apply their knowledge of spelling patterns. In addition, the children learn the list of words found in the Spelling Appendix from the National Curriculum for their year group.  

 

Reading

Children have the opportunity to choose reading books from a carefully selected range of books within their own classroom. The books are rotated regularly to ensure the children have exposure to as many high quality texts as possible.

 

A range of reading schemes are used within the school including those listed below:

 

• Ginn
• Oxford Reading Tree
• Oxford Literacy Web
• Treetops- Oxford University Press
• Dandelion Launchers- Phonic Books
• Project X

Below are some reading lists for each year group. They are a starting point but remember that great, new books are released all the time. You can talk to class teachers for further recommendations and we also have a wishlist at Waterstones online which is updated on a regular basis. You can just use this list as a booklist for ideas. We highly recommend that you join and use local libraries-  staff there will be happy to guide you too.