How to teach phonics in KS2

Overview

For teachers in KS2, phonics will be far from second nature - particularly if they haven’t taught in KS1 before. This course gives a refresher in how phonics works - from blending and segmenting to how sounds need to be clear and specifically articulated. There’s a recap of current terminology (there’s no space for magic ‘e’ in the split diagraph world) and the importance of being consistent with this. And we review the different phases of teaching phonics and what should be the focus at each phase. To assess key stage 2 children’s phonics knowledge, we see an approach that asks them to write out a poem that will give evidence of how secure they are with each of the four stages. A return to the Phonics Screening Check can also back this up. Crucially, we are shown that phonics should always be an additional intervention in KS2 so that children do not fall behind with the curriculum. A list of phonics related questions asked by Ofsted are provided too as a useful reference for checking pupils’ progress.

Course Materials:

Presentation Slides - Download

.pptx file

Training Handout - Download

.pdf file

Course Creator

An experienced primary school teacher and senior leader, Shareen currently runs a successful education consultancy in London. Working with LAs across the country, she has an extensive track record of raising standards in English. Writing and advising for Letts, HarperCollins, Rising Stars and OUP, Shareen also acts as a subject expert on reading and grammar for the DfE.

About the Course

These sessions focus on deepening and developing subject knowledge in primary English. Key areas (e.g. grammar, writing and spelling) are explored in depth, so that teachers can feel confident when delivering them in the classroom, and there are plenty of practical ideas to try too.