The teaching of phonics at St Mark’s is taught through Read Write Inc. from Nursery to Year 2. KS2 children who need additional phonics support also receive Read Write Inc. lessons or one to one tutoring to plug any sound gaps. Daily 45 minute lessons take place across KS1 and Reception pupils will build up to this throughout the year. Half termly formal assessments take place which inform phonics groups which are streamed across EYFS and KS1.
Phonics Screening Check
In Year 1, children will complete the statutory formal Phonics Screening Check (PSC) which tests children on their ability to decode words, both real words and nonsense words (words that are made up) this takes place in the Summer term.
During the build up to this, from Spring term, children sitting the phonics screening check in Summer will have an additional phonics blast session in the afternoon to expose children to all set 1, 2, 3 and additional sounds.
Reading at home (Reading records and books)
Children will be taking home reading books that correlate with the coloured group that they are in for phonics, the book bag books correspond with the sounds that children know to develop their reading skills and sound knowledge. Reading at home has proven to rapidly develop progress in reading and fluency.
Important dates and information:
QR codes will be sent home for children to practice sound gaps at home. If you are struggling to access these or need more support with this please contact Miss Vondy.
There will be workshops for parents and children in Summer 1, so keep a look out for dates to follow.
Reading picnic – I will be holding a reading picnic in Summer 1 for pupils and parents of children who will be sitting the PSC (phonics screening check) 2026, keep a look out for dates to follow.
In Autumn term, we held 2 phonics meetings. 1 for Reception parents and 1 for Year 1 parents, if you missed these meetings and would like some more information please find these attached below.