Phonics and Spelling
Phonics
At Cathedral we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their literacy. RWI is a method of learning centred around letter sounds and phonics, and we use it to aid children in their reading and writing.
Reading opens the door to learning. A child who reads a lot will become a good reader. A good reader will be able to read more challenging material. A child who reads challenging material is a child who will learn. The more a child learns, the more he or she will want to find out.
Using RWI, the children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.
Spelling
The spelling approach from Year 2 to Year 6 builds on the phonic knowledge pupils have been taught in EYFS and Year 1. Each week pupils are taught a new spelling rule which links to their writing task for the week. For example, the suffix ‘tion’ may be taught when pupils are learning about the water cycle so pupils are confident spelling key vocabulary such as evaporation, precipitation and condensation. Pupils will be sent home 5-10 words to practice following this rule and are challenged to find any other words which follow the same spelling pattern. Pupils will be tested on the words they have practiced and will be tested on a ‘mystery word’. When pupils can apply the spelling rule taught to unfamiliar words it then becomes embedded. Pupils will also be taught the statutory spellings for each year group to ensure they are confident spelling words which are often misspelt.
You can see year group expectations by clicking on the links below