Reading and Phonics
We love reading at Withernsea Primary School!
Here at Withernsea Primary School, reading is at the heart of everything we do. It is our belief that every child can become a proficient reader. Children who are good at reading do more of it meaning they learn more, and they expand their vocabulary, which allows them access to more learning. We are relentless in our drive to remove all barriers to enable all children to feel confident and have the knowledge required to be successful readers.
Children at Withernsea Primary School in Foundation Stage and KS1, follow the Read Write Inc programme. Read Write Inc (RWI) is a complete phonics and literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in reading comprehension and writing composition.
Children learn how to ‘read’ the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down. This is essential for reading, but it also helps children learn to spell well. Once children can blend sounds together to read words, they practise reading books that match the phonics and the ‘tricky words’ that they know.
Find out more about Read write Inc.
Most children will master these early skills by the end of Y1. However, some children will need further time and consolidation and so, where children need further support with reading, the Read Write Inc program continues to be used throughout KS2 as required.
The teaching of reading comprehension is carefully considered, with high quality texts at the core of our curriculum. From Year 2, the children will be part of a whole class guided reading session based on an engaging and challenging text. Each session is carefully structured to offer a consistent and progressive approach building on previous knowledge and moving learning forward.
Reading for pleasure is an important part of the reading curriculum here at Withernsea and the children are given the time to read, and most importantly, to discuss the books they like regularly. Each class has a shared reading for pleasure book.
In addition, each classroom has an established reading area. This is a comfortable and stimulating area that includes a wide selection of high-quality books.
It is no secret that reading activities at home are an important supplement to the classroom; but there’s more to it than that. There are things that parents can give children at home that the classrooms cannot provide. The sharing and exploration of a great book with your child, one to one and in a relaxing and comfortable environment is priceless. Reading at home is both encouraged and rewarded here at Withernsea Primary School.
‘Pupils who are experiencing significant turbulence in their lives are well supported. As a result, they stay engaged in their learning.’
‘Leaders have made significant improvements to early years provision. As a result, children
are making a strong start in building their skills in reading, writing and mathematics.’
‘ I would just like to say what a great help all the teachers and staff at Withernsea Primary School have been to parents/grandparents and carers during these very strange last months. Thank you’
Pupils are making good progress in improving their reading, writing and mathematical skills. Pupils’ progress in key stage 1 is particularly strong. Pupils are developing a range of exciting vocabulary in their writing. Pupils’ handwriting and spelling are weaker.
‘The curriculum supports pupils in developing positive attitudes to learning. Leaders have linked activities closely to pupils’ interests and aspirations. This has been particularly successful in engaging boys.’
‘Leaders, including governors, understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school’s work.
They take decisive action to secure improvement. Consequently, the gaps in the progress made by different groups of pupils are diminishing.’
‘the teachers explain really well’
‘thank you for keeping me safe’
‘I love school, its amazing, its like a second home’
‘You have all been amazing. I hope all you teachers are proud of yourselves for the way you have conducted things throughout this pandemic. Proud to say my children are students at Withernsea Primary School’
‘Pupils behave well in the classroom and around the school. Teachers support pupils with
identified behaviour difficulties well.’
‘I love school, its a good place to learn’…
‘I would like to say thank you to everyone at Withernsea Primary School for everything you have done…..you have all been amazing’
‘its really fun, it makes learning fun’
‘Most-able pupils and those who have special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities generally make good progress because teachers match tasks carefully to their needs.’
‘Teaching is improving. Teachers are successful in keeping pupils on task. They offer pupils activities which catch their imagination and motivate them to do well.’
‘I love school’ …