Curriculum

Phonic Scheme – Song of Sounds

At North Lancing Primary we teach early reading through the lively and vigorous teaching of synthetic phonics (children learn to blend sounds to read whole words). The programme begins in Reception as the children start school and ends when the children are fluent and confident readers and able to recognise the 44 sounds in the English language and the many ways of spelling these sounds (e.g. ay/ai, oy/oi). Because the English language is not just made up of ‘phonic’ words, we also teach the children how to recognise and read ‘non-phonic’ words (e.g. the, said, could).  A helpful link to the ‘Song of Sounds’ phonic pronunciation is here:

Reading Scheme

Our main aim is to give the children the reading skills to be able to read independently and for enjoyment. To support this development, we have a main reading scheme called ‘Oxford Reading Tree’ (published by Oxford University Press) which offers the children a chance to read a mix of fiction stories, playscripts and poetry and non-fiction books with facts and different sorts of layouts.  The ‘Oxford Reading Tree’ scheme starts with picture books (Reception) in order to encourage talk about the story and show understanding of what might be happening.  The children progress from this, all the way up to book band 10 and then onto chapter books.  At this point, children can be considered to be fluent and confident readers.  The class teacher will make a judgement when a child is ready to move on to a new band or become a ‘free reader’ which means the child chooses (with guidance) their own appropriate reading material.

We also supplement the ‘Oxford Reading Tree’ scheme with other schemes such as Rigby Rockets and Collins Big Cat.  Pupils are also given opportunities to read appropriately banded  and everyday books and tales.   Pupils who struggle with reading are supported through interventions such as FFT and Reading Eggs schemes.  In Years 2 to Year 6, North Lancing use ‘Accelerated Reader’ to help students to select appropriate reading materials, assess progress and identify areas of reading to improve. AR bookfinder is an excellent resource when selecting texts: http://arbookfinder.co.uk 

The most important factor, however, in children’s progress in reading is the support of parents and carers so please encourage your child to read daily at home. Together we can make a difference.

The curriculum and assessment