The Curriculum

The Lavant Curriculum

Teaching and Learning of Phonics and Spelling in EYFS and KS1

We have recently adopted a new, fully synthetic phonics programme called "Animaphonics". This scheme offers a holistic and rigorous approach through stimulating and engaging interactive lessons. Children are taught the core graphemes in the form of colourful animal characters linked to memorable poems and kinaesthetic actions, thus appealing to learners of all types.  

The multi-sensory lessons are organised into a building knowledge pathway which reinforces and applies understanding through a range of interesting activities. Lessons are short, briskly paced and are often followed by enrichment activities to deepen understanding. Activities are well matched to the children’s abilities and interests, and all classroom environments display the growing bank of sound knowledge. Supplementary resources are used to support independent writing and reading. Additionally, the programme includes a detailed weekly focus on common word spelling, encouraging children to develop their visual memory of words and their understanding of spelling patterns.

Year 2 children are able to participate in an engaging programme of study of the Phase 6  objectives and deepen their understanding of spelling patterns.

When appropriate, children are grouped to allow for the high achievers to make accelerated progress and those with additional needs to gain further support within their phonic phases.

Early Years:

  • Daily discrete phonics lessons every day for 15/20 minutes.

  • By the end of reception children are expected to be at least secure in phase 3 or Unit 2.

Key Stage 1, Yrs 1 & 2:

  • Discrete daily phonics lessons for 20 minutes

  • By the end of year one to be secure in phase 5 or Unit 5.

  • Children at the beginning of year two review Phase 5 (units 3 to 5) before moving onto Phase 6.

  • Children requiring extra support are taught every day in a discrete lesson for 20 minutes.

Assessment

Children’s progress in developing and applying their phonic knowledge is carefully assessed and monitored. Children are tracked using the Animphonics unit assessment tracking sheets. Teachers use daily phonics sessions to monitor children’s progress and assess children through their writing and reading.

In Year 1 children will take the phonics screening check. This assessment will confirm whether individual pupils have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard. If a child does not reach the appropriate standard then additional support will be put in place in order for the child to make accelerated progress with their phonic awareness development.

If you would like any further information regarding our curriculum, or approach to teaching and learning, please contact the school office who will arrange an appointment for you to speak to Mr. King.

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