At Belmont Primary School, we believe in a synthetic and consistent approach to phonics development. We follow Rising Stars Rocket Phonics; this is a government validated programme that engages and supports children through the use of interactive resources and varied opportunities to apply skills. Daily lessons in KS1, led by phonics experts, help children to develop and master the skills required to confidently read and write.
All children undertake the DfE Statutory Phonics Screening Programme at the end of Year One. Children, who need more time on their phonics road map beyond KS1, to secure those lifelong skills, have tailored individual interventions during KS2.
As a school, we follow Rising Stars Reading Rockets to progress reading and understanding throughout our school journey. This offers a fully decodable library that is matched to children’s individual phonetic ability. The scheme is aligned to our phonics scheme to ensure continuity, offering a wealth of rich and varied books.
To complement our whole school reading approach, each classroom has a library which aims to develop children’s cultural capital. Each class has an ‘unmissable reads’ area, that promotes a variety of award-winning literature, building upon our school deep love of reading.
Our school’s non-fiction library is available to all children to support learning across the curriculum.
During EYFS and KS1 we deliver our bespoke English Curriculum through a ‘Talk 4 Writing’ approach. As children progress through KS2 this is adapted to ensure children build up independence and individuality. Discrete writing skills lessons give children the skills to write in a variety of genres and for many purposes. Staff have consistent and high expectations throughout the school. We believe that quality ‘book talk ‘is invaluable, through a broad variety of literature we are able to discuss and understand both classic and modern stories. Writing stories, letters, fact files, reports and recounts using high quality texts as inspiration.