Read Write Inc
At Ysgol-y-Castell our children follow a synthetic phonic programme called ‘Read Write Inc’ produced by Ruth Miskin. Read Write Inc is a method of learning centred around letter sounds and phonics, blending them together to read and write words and using these learnt sounds in their reading and writing.
The children are assessed and grouped according to their ability. They will work with a teacher or teaching assistant on the Read Write Inc programme and are regularly assessed to ensure they are in the correct group.
What do children learn in Read Write Inc?
When using Read Write Inc to READ the children will:
| learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts |
| learn to read words using sound blending (Fred talk) |
| read lively stories featuring words they have learnt to sound out |
| show that they comprehend the stories by answering ‘Find It’ and ‘Prove It’ discussion questions |
WRITING
When using Read Write Inc to WRITE the children will:
| learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds |
| learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes (Fred fingers) |
| learn to write simple then more complex sentences |
| compose stories and non-fiction texts based on picture strips and discussion prompts |
TALKING
When using Read Write Inc the children will also work in PAIRS:
| to answer every question |
| to practise every activity |
| to take turns talking to each other |
| to give positive praise to each other |
HOW CAN YOU HELP AT HOME?
Read a variety of books (fiction, non-fiction, nursery rhymes…). Discuss the different features of books. Talk about the books and other reading materials that you have shared. Explain the meaning of new words. Most importantly though, show the fun that can be gained by listening to stories and reading a range of texts e.g. cereal packets, shopping lists, road signs, web pages, magazines, newspapers etc.
For more information about the Read Write Inc programme in our school, please contact the school.
Read Write Inc Information for Parents
HERE YOU WILL FIND LETTERS OUTLINING THE LEARNING TAKING PLACE IN EACH READ WRITE INC GROUP.
Mathematics and Numeracy
PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO SEE INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN WITH MATHS AND NUMERACY AT HOME.
DCF – Digital Competence Framework
The aim of the Digital Competence Framework is to develop the each pupil’s digital skills. The DCF focuses on enhancing digital skills across the curriculum. At Ysgol Y Castell we carefully consider when technology can be used to enhance learning experiences for all of our pupils. The DCF teaches children how to use technology safely, responsibly and effectively. Pupils learn how to collaborate and communicate with peers, create engaging content, enhance their data handling and computational thinking skills.
At Ysgol Y Castell we use a wide range of technology and software to achieve the aims of the DCF. Some examples include HWB, J2E, Office 365, Scratch and more.
Please click the image below to log in to HWB which will provide access to J2E and Office 365.
Curriculum for Wales 2022
This is an exciting time for the young people of Wales. A new Curriculum for Wales is coming that will enthuse learners from 3 to 16, giving them the foundations they need to succeed in a changing world.
The Minister for Education and Skills has announced that the Welsh Government will accept, in full, all of the recommendations set out in Successful Futures, Professor Graham Donaldson’s independent review of the curriculum and assessment arrangements in Wales.
The following 4 purposes will be at the heart of our new curriculum in order to support our children and young people to be:
- ambitious, capable learners ready to learn throughout their lives;
- enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work;
- ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world;
- healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.
Key elements
The new curriculum will include:
- 6 Areas of Learning and Experience from 3 to 16;
- 3 cross curriculum responsibilities: literacy, numeracy and digital competence;
- progression reference points at ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16;
- achievement outcomes which describe expected achievements at each progression reference point.
The curriculum will be organised into 6 Areas of Learning and Experience:
- Expressive arts;
- Health and well-being;
- Humanities (including RE );
- Languages, literacy and communication (including Welsh and modern foreign languages);
- Mathematics and numeracy;
- Science and technology (including computer science).
For further information regarding the new curriculum arrangements please click here.
National Tests / Personalised Assessments
Pupils in Years 2 to 6 take national tests in reading and numeracy each summer. The National Procedutal Numeracy test will be adminstered online. This leaflet explains what the tests involve and what the test results can tell you about your child’s learning.
Test information for parents and carers
INTRODUCTION TO PERSONALISED ASSESSMENTS.
- Personalised assessments are adaptive, meaning that questions are selected based on the responses to previous questions. This provides a tailored assessment experience for each learner and will help all learners develop their skills through understanding what they can do, the things they need to work on, and their next steps.
- The assessments provide schools with information on the skills of individual learners and whole classes.
- There is no ‘test window’ for personalised assessments; timing is at the school’s discretion.
- Learners can take the personalised assessments in small or large groups, depending on the schools’ preferences and facilities, and schools do not need a large number of devices
- Learners are required to take the assessment once during the academic year. Schools also have the option to use the assessment once more during the academic year.
