Phonics
At Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School (RPPS), we believe that a strong foundation in Phonics is essential for developing confident and proficient readers. Our Phonics philosophy is rooted in the understanding that every child deserves to access the rich world of literacy, enabling them to explore, imagine, and communicate effectively.
Phonics is a method of teaching reading and writing that focuses on the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or groups of letters (graphemes). Through phonics instruction, children learn to recognise, blend, and segment sounds to decode words, enabling them to read fluently and accurately. It is a foundational skill that supports the development of literacy and is critical in helping children become confident, independent readers, writers and communicators.
We recognise that the early years are crucial for language development, which is why our approach to Phonics is both early and systematic. From the moment children enter school, they are introduced to the sounds of language through a structured programme designed to build upon prior learning. This programme allows children to progress from simple sounds to more complex grapheme-phoneme correspondences. Our fast-paced, 30-minute sessions include revision, teaching, practice, and application to reinforce learning.
The delivery of Phonics lessons is tailored throughout our Lower School. In Reception, children participate in four lessons each week. In Year One, they attend daily lessons, while in Year Two, three lessons are scheduled weekly. To meet the diverse needs of all learners, we stream children from Year One onwards, grouping them based on their progress. These groups are fluid, with regular monitoring to ensure that each child receives responsive and tailored instruction, promoting continuous improvement and success.
At RPPS, we use the Animaphonics Scheme, which employs a multi-sensory approach to phonics instruction. Our lessons are interactive and engaging, incorporating visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic activities. While we follow this scheme, we also add our unique touch, including handwriting skills, games, revision of high-frequency words, and even singing sounds to beats by Beyoncé and Led Zeppelin! This approach reinforces learning and ensures that each child connects with the material in a way that suits their individual learning style.
Phonics is not confined to reading lessons; it is integrated across the curriculum. We encourage children to apply their phonics knowledge in all areas of learning, whether they are writing, reading for information, or exploring new vocabulary. This helps to solidify their understanding and demonstrates the real-world relevance of phonics.
We believe that parents are key partners in their child’s phonics education. We actively engage with parents, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to support their child’s learning at home. Regular communication and workshops ensure that parents are informed and confident in reinforcing phonics skills.
We are dedicated to nurturing curious, confident, and capable readers. This philosophy permeates every aspect of our approach, making phonics a dynamic and essential part of the educational experience at RPPS.
