Phonics

At Withernsea Primary School, in KS1 reading is taught through the Read, Write, Inc. programme (RWI). This may be used for pupils in KS2 if they are not yet reading fluently. The scheme, however, is adapted to suit the needs of each of the pupils. This means that some pupils are taught in whole class session and others are taught in smaller or one to one groups.

Pupils are assessed on a termly basis using the RWI assessment grids, this ensures that all pupils are in the correct groups and allows the Reading Leaders and Wider Leadership team to monitor pupil progress.

All staff who use RWI in their classroom have all completed training. Lead Teachers support the development of the scheme observing sessions, offering guidance and creating clear next steps for the scheme at Withernsea. In addition, Lead Teachers offer regular drop in sessions to support pupils and teachers where needed.

Children learn the English alphabetic code: first they learn one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend these sounds into words, then learn to read the same sounds with alternative graphemes. Sounds are grouped into set 1, 2 and 3.

They experience success from the very beginning. Lively phonic books are closely matched to their increasing knowledge of phonics and ‘tricky’ words and, as children re-read the stories, their fluency increases.

You can view a short introduction to Read Write Inc for parents below:

Further information:

‘I love school, its a good place to learn’…

Children's comments

‘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’

Parent's comments

‘the teachers explain really well’

Children's comments

‘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.’

Ofsted comments

‘ 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’

Parent's comments

‘its really fun, it makes learning fun’

Children's comments

‘Pupils who are experiencing significant turbulence in their lives are well supported. As a result, they stay engaged in their learning.’

Ofsted comments

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.

Ofsted comments

‘I love school’ …

Children's comments

‘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.’

Ofsted comments

‘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.’

Ofsted comments

‘Pupils behave well in the classroom and around the school. Teachers support pupils with
identified behaviour difficulties well.’

Ofsted comments

‘thank you for keeping me safe’

Children's comments

‘I love school, its amazing, its like a second home’

Children's comments

‘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.’

Ofsted comments

‘I would like to say thank you to everyone at Withernsea Primary School for everything you have done…..you have all been amazing’

Parent's comments

‘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.’

Ofsted comments