Discover English
Here at Aspire we believe in an individual, tailored approach, which enables pupils to learn at a pace and in a way that suits them. Teaching can be delivered as a whole class, in small groups or on a one-to-one basis, depending on individual needs.
Often, our pupils have communication and language difficulties, so we use a holistic approach to teaching. Our reading and phonics teaching is intertwined with supporting the children’s speech and language needs.
It is essential that our approach to teaching phonics and reading is accessible to all learners, regardless of their disability and background.
Reading at Aspire
Book Sharers
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The most important thing you can do to support your child on their reading journey is to share books with them. Asking questions and discussing the pictures and text will support their learning. So grab a book or download a story, snuggle up and share a journey into a world of fantasy or learn about the world together.
Phonics - Little Wandle Letters and Sounds
At Aspire School, it is our aspiration that all children will have the opportunity to become readers and writers. We teach early reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, which is a systematic, synthetic phonics programme. We start teaching phonics with Phase 1 which develops our children’s auditory processing, speaking and listening skills. When ready the children follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised Programme of study, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, leading to mastering phonics, reading, and spelling.
Further information on how to support your child with phonics skills can be found here:
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
At Aspire School, we value reading as a crucial life skill. By the time children leave us, where appropriate, children will read at a level to the fullest of their abilities. Our aim is that our readers will be equipped with the tools to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary and will have developed the language and comprehension skills needed for understanding what they are reading. We encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
Reading Wanderers
Once our children are about to complete or have completed the phonics programme, they begin their journey to becoming independent readers . They continue to read Little Wandle texts and other carefully selected texts where they will learn about aspects of reading domains (oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension).
Reading Adventurers
Once our children complete the phonics programme, they continue their journey to becoming independent readers . They progress through the Little Wandle fluency and spelling programme to further develop their reading and spelling skills, and once they have mastered the basic skills of fluency and comprehension, they continue their journey as "Reading Adventurers", growing their knowledge of the domains for reading through regular reading experiences.
Reading Questers
Once our readers have mastered the basic skills of fluency and comprehension , they continue their journey as "Reading Questers". Through our bespoke national curriculum offer they develop their reading stamina and comprehension skills, entering the world of reading for pleasure .
Writing at Aspire
From Mark Makers to Writers
Writing takes many years to master, and your child will travel along many pathways on their individual journey to becoming a writer. At the beginning of their journey, they will spend time developing fine motor skills, through activities such as Clever Fingers and Dough Disco, which develop their writing muscles. They will develop vocabulary and learn how writing works. They will spend time mark making, drawing and playing at being writers. When ready, letter formation is taught using non-cursive script, and they will learn how to use phonics skills to write words and sentences. Spelling will develop as they continue to develop their phonics knowledge. Once mastered, they will continue on their journey and learn to become skilled writers.
Continuing The Writing Journey
Once our children master phonics they begin their journey to mastering writing. Our children access our bespoke writing offer, following the National Curriculum, which teaches application of spelling, grammar and writing skills tailored to the individual child's level and pace of learning.
