English

Reading and Phonics

Reading is an essential skill and we develop and encourage through a love of books and reading so that, by the time pupils leave St Peter’s, they are able to read fluently, expressively and with confidence. They are able to talk excitedly about books and authors and are familiar with a wide range of text types and genres. Reading takes place throughout the school in many different forms including shared, guided, independent and is embedded throughout the curriculum. 

Reading_and_Phonics_Evening23-24.pdf

Reading forms an important part of our homework routines. We ask that children read at home daily. In Reception and Key Stage 1 we ask parents to record reading at home in the reading record. In Key Stage 2 children are expected to record their reading for themselves in the reading record. This supports our on-going partnership between home and school.

Each classroom has a reading corner, with a range of books for the children to read in school or borrow to read at home, and all the children have access to  a wide range of fiction and non-fiction as well as magazines and poetry. 

Phonics

Phonics is taught throughout the school using the synthetic phonics teaching programme  'Bug Club', which ensures systematic coverage and progression. Click here for an introductory  overview for parents. 

Children start to learn phonics when they join our school in Reception. Phonics is taught in small groups focusing on children's recognition of the letter sounds and how to read and write these. Click here to hear how to pronounce the sounds. 

In Reception and Key Stage 1 children are taught in smaller groups, led either by the class teacher or by a trained teaching assistant. The children are assessed regularly to ensure that  they are in the appropriate group for supporting and extending their individual needs. Year 1 children take part in statutory Phonics Screening during Term 6, and parents are informed of their child's achievement at the end of the school year. Phonics continues into Key Stage 2 for those who need it. Click here for a glossary of all the phonic vocabulary. 

 A range of e-books can be accessed online at: Oxford Owl