English
Phonics Scheme:
At Netherton C of E Primary School we use the Read Write Systematic Synthetic Phonics Programme (validated by the DfE) to give your child the best possible start with their literacy.
What is Read Write Inc. Phonics?
Read Write Inc (RWI) is a complete phonics and literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. Read Write Inc. Phonics teaches children to read accurately and fluently with good comprehension. They learn to form each letter, spell correctly, and compose their ideas step-by-step. The programme is designed for children aged 4-7. However, at Netherton, we begin the programme in Nursery and will continue teaching RWI to children beyond the age of 7 if they still need support in their reading. RWI was developed by Ruth Miskin and more information and guidance for parents on this can be found at https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/parents/
Reading
Children learn the English alphabetic code: first they learn one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend these sounds into words, then learn to read the same sounds with alternative graphemes. They experience success from the very beginning. Lively phonic books are closely matched to their increasing knowledge of phonics and ‘tricky’ words and, as children re-read the stories, their fluency increases. Along with a thought-provoking introduction, prompts for thinking out loud and discussion, children are helped to read with a storyteller’s voice.
How will RWI be taught?
All children are assessed regularly by our RWI reading leader so they grouped in order to work with children at the same level. This allows complete participation in lessons.
Reading
The children:
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learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts
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learn to read words using Fred talk and sound blending
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read from a range of storybooks and non-fictions books matched to their phonic knowledge
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work well with partners
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develop comprehension skills in stories by answering 'Find It' and 'Prove It' discussion questions
Writing
The children:
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learn to write and form the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds with the help of fun phrases
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learn to write words by using Fred Talk
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learn to build sentences by practising sentences out loud before they write
Talking
The children:
They work in pairs so that they:
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answer every question
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practise every activity with their partner
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take turns in talking and reading to each other
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develop ambitious vocabulary
Take a look at our parent guide: RWI Parent Guide
Reading Scheme
For children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, we use the Engage Literacy as a home reading scheme. This is a book banded scheme from Pink to Ruby, but also split further into reading recovery levels to refine each step and help readers progress through the bands.
The use of fresh, contemporary illustrations and photographs stimulate imagination across a variety of subjects to capture all interests. Each fiction title is paired with a non-fiction title with a common vocabulary, which reinforces unfamiliar words and gives an appealing range of different titles at each level. The wide range of subjects and styles takes away that repetitive scheme feel and offers an exciting array of books that provides a perfectly structured reading programme.
In each band there are thematically linked fiction and non-fiction books to help develop a love for both factual reads and stories. Each book is precisely levelled to ensure progression and help children learn to read. This primary school reading scheme introduces new vocabulary and reinforces them throughout the levels and a sense of continuity is created through the use of well-loved characters.
Highbridge Road, Netherton, Dudley DY2 0HU
01384 816895
info@netherton.dudley.sch.uk
