Phonics

Schools in the Arbor Academy Trust use a method of teaching called 'Synthetic Phonics' to help children learn to read and spell. Phonics is one method of teaching children how to read and write using sounds. There are 44 sounds in the English language, which we put together to form words. Some are represented by one letter, like 's' in sit, and some by two or more, like 'sh' in shop and 'igh' in high. Children are taught the sounds first, then how to match them to letters, and finally how to use the letter sounds for reading and spelling. Synthetic phonics refers to 'synthesising', or blending, the sounds to read words.

The 44 sounds (phonemes) of the English language, and the way they are written down, are taught one by one. The order of teaching these sounds has been specially developed so that children can start reading complete words as soon as possible. A phonics lesson begins with revising any sounds the children have already been taught. Then the teacher will introduce a new sound and its spelling. Children will then have an opportunity to practice the skill and apply it.

Schools in the Arbor Academy trust use a range of programmes but mainly use the ‘Letters and Sounds’ programme. This is split into 6 Phases with then children starting Phase 1 in Nursery and moving through to Phase 6 by Year 2.

We run parent workshops in order to support parents in helping their children at home. The school are very well resourced with phonic games and equipment and making use of ICT where appropriate. Children's phonics ability is assessed regularly and children who need support are offered individual or group tutoring.