Curriculum Corner
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
During Weeks 4 - 8 of Term 3, all Year 1 students, will participate in the Phonics Screening Check. This short, one-on-one check allows teachers to see how well students can apply their phonics knowledge when reading.
The check is designed to be a positive experience and provides valuable information about each child's reading development.
The results help teachers identify students' strengths and any areas where additional support may be beneficial, ensuring all children continue to build strong foundations for reading success.
Supporting Phonics and Spelling Development
Phonics is the process of matching sounds to letters and letter combinations, helping children learn to read and spell words. At St Helena's, phonics and spelling are taught explicitly every day, with dedicated lesson times and new sounds introduced in a systematic and sequential way.
We use evidence-based programs to support literacy development:
Sounds-Write up to Year 3
Spelling Mastery in Years 3 to 6
Families can play an important role in supporting their child's literacy development at home. Regular reading practice is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and fluency. Encourage your child to read aloud each day and discuss the text together.
When completing spelling homework, encourage your child to say each sound as they write the letters that represent it. This helps strengthen the connection between sounds and spelling patterns. Families can also:
Practise weekly spelling words regularly rather than all at once.
Play simple word and sound games, such as finding words with the same sound or spelling pattern.
Encourage children to segment words into individual sounds and then blend them back together.
Draw attention to sounds and letters in everyday situations, such as signs, books, shopping lists or labels around the home.
Celebrate effort and progress, helping children develop confidence as readers and writers.