Ages 3-4
Create a firm foundation for literacy
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Systematic Synthetic Phonics
Equip children aged 4-6 for success in phonics and literacy with a complete Systematic Synthetic Phonics programme aligned to Letters and Sounds. DfE validated!
Ages 4-6
Equip children aged 4-6 for success in phonics and literacy with a complete Systematic Synthetic Phonics programme aligned to Letters and Sounds. DfE validated!
Ages 6-7
Consolidate and extend phonics and literacy skillsGo to Next Steps
The second step in the Rocket Phonics journey, for pupils aged 4-6.
- Fully embed phonics knowledge and skills using a steady pace of two new letter-sounds per week with continual revision and consolidation.
- Ensure no learner is left behind through a whole-class, mastery style teaching approach that allows everyone to keep up at their own level, without having to catch up.
- Develop strong blending and segmenting skills through separate targeted teaching sessions.
- Build confidence in reading and writing through consistent daily practice.
- Ensure rich decoding practice using a vibrant range of fully decodable books that will spark a love of reading.
Teaching with the Author
Check out this video of Rocket Phonics author, Abigail Steel, teaching a demo Systematic Synthetic Phonics blending lesson to a reception class. During this week 7 lesson, Abigail uses a combination of flashcards and online Big Books to bring the blended letter-sounds to life for the pupils.
How to teach
Online subscription
Print resources
CPD
- Revisit and review sounds with flashcards: Our ready-to-use colour-banded flashcards are available as A5 cards or as interactive online resources. No cutting required!
- Teach new sounds using online Big Books: Each Big Book lasts for a term and tells an original story. As a class, you can listen to the story being read aloud, hear sounds, launch flashcards and play games.
- Practise with Pupil Practice Booklets: Our Pupil Practice Booklets support daily reading and writing practice.
- Apply with fully decodable Target Practice books: Children will apply their knowledge and skills with 96 matched reading books. There are a range of genres across fiction and non-fiction.
- Consolidate with additional reading practice books: Choose from 132 fully decodable books for reading in school and home.
Evidencing the impact of Rocket Phonics
In 2021, we launched an Impact Trial in a select group of UK primary schools. Working with independent evaluators from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Birmingham, the Trial aimed to measure the impact of Rocket Phonics on reading attainment and reading enjoyment in comparison with other schools using other SSP programmes.
Report highlights:
- Pupils using Rocket Phonics, including those starting Year 1 with very low phonics knowledge, saw a rapid and measurable increase in phonics knowledge.
- Despite higher percentages of PP and EAL children in schools using Rocket Phonics, pupils’ attainment was in line with control schools and spelling appeared slightly better, based on average pre- and post-trial standardised test scores.
- Compared with those using other SSP programmes, teachers’ attitudes towards teaching phonics were far more positive amongst Rocket Phonics schools.
- Independent observational evidence indicated that children and teachers enjoyed their phonics lessons, and children engaged well with the Rocket Phonics resources they used.
What teachers are saying...
Having a well thought out and structured phonics scheme to follow has allowed us, as a school, to really focus on the teaching input and encourage that secure progression from all of our children through EYFS and into Year 2. Rocket Phonics has hooked all of our children and has aided in our PSC score of 90% for this year.
Naomi Elkington, EYFS Teacher and Phonics Lead Somerset Bridge Primary SchoolEver since starting Rocket Phonics, our Phonics Screening Test results have improved. Last year we saw an incredible 90% of children pass, this year we achieved an outstanding 100% of pupils gaining the required pass mark… The scheme has given the teachers in our school the ability to confidently deliver phonics lessons that are both time manageable and engaging.
Rebecca Nelson, Reading and Phonics Lead The Boyle and Petyt Primary School85% pass rate in Year 1. Above our expectations with the level of SEND and the number of children who have joined us during the year. 100% pass rate in Year 2 retakes which speaks to the success of the programme long term.
Simon Downes, Deputy Headteacher Bradshaw Hall Primary SchoolThe PSC for Year 1 is 86%. We are very happy with the outcome. The implementation and impact of Rocket Phonics has enabled our Year 1 pupils to make phenomenal progress this year… As the pupils have become more proficient readers, their self-esteem has grown and fostered a positive attitude towards learning. This is reflective not just of pupils in Year 1 but of pupils in Nursery, Reception and Year 2 where we also use the Rocket Phonics programme.
Principal The Forest Academy
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