Phonics at Bowman Academy
At Bowman Academy, we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme to teach children to read confidently, accurately and with understanding. RWI is a structured, systematic approach that supports children to learn sounds, blend them into words and develop fluency as readers.
Read Write Inc. – Set 1
What children will learn
Children begin their phonics journey by learning to read:
– Set 1 Speed Sounds – sounds written using one letter.
– Set 1 sounds written with two letters, known as “special friends”.
– Simple words containing these sounds through blending.
– Red, Green and Purple Storybooks, which are carefully matched to their phonics knowledge.
Set 1 Speed Sounds
Each sound is linked to:
– A picture hook.
– A short rhyme.
These help children remember the sound and recognise it quickly.
Clear pronunciation is extremely important. We teach children to say sounds precisely, without adding extra sounds (e.g. “m” not “muh”).
Ruth Miskin Training – How to say sounds.
Learning to blend sounds (Fred Talk)
Children learn to read words by blending sounds together, a process known as Fred Talk.
For example: c-a-t → cat
Fred the Frog helps children practise saying sounds aloud before blending them into words.
Ruth Miskin Training – Sound Blending.
Read Write Inc. – Set 2
Once children are confident with all single sounds, some special friends, and can blend simple words, they move on to Set 2.
What children will learn
– To read and recognise Set 2 Speed Sounds: ay, ee, igh, ow, oo, oo, ar, or, air, ir, ou, oy
– To read words containing these sounds
– To read a wider range of Red Words (tricky words that cannot be sounded out)
– To read Pink, Orange and Yellow Storybooks, developing speed and fluency
Each sound is supported by:
– A picture
– A rhyme
to help children remember and apply their learning.
Read Write Inc. – Set 3
By Set 3, children are becoming more confident and fluent readers.
What children will learn
– To read Set 3 Speed Sounds: ea, oi, a-e, i-e, o-e, u-e, aw, are, ur, er, ow, ai, oa, ew, ire, ear, ure
– To read words containing these sounds
– To read additional Red Words
– To read Blue and Grey Storybooks with increasing speed, accuracy and expression
Each sound continues to be taught using:
– A picture
– A rhyme
to support recall and reading confidence.
How Read Write Inc. Supports Children at Bowman Academy
Through daily phonics lessons, children:
– Learn sounds in a clear, structured sequence
– Practise blending and reading every day
– Build confidence and enjoyment in reading
– Develop fluency and understanding alongside accuracy
We closely monitor progress and ensure every child receives the support they need to become a successful reader.
Fresh Start Phonics at Bowman Academy
At Bowman Academy, we use Fresh Start to support older pupils who need to strengthen their reading skills. Fresh Start is a systematic synthetic phonics programme designed to rapidly improve reading accuracy, fluency and stamina.
How Fresh Start Works
– Pupils begin at their highest appropriate point on the programme, ensuring fast and targeted progress
– Teaching focuses on accurate decoding, reading fluency, or both, depending on individual need
– Letter-sounds and words are carefully taught and regularly reviewed at the pupil’s level
Why Fresh Start Is Effective
– Lessons are fast-paced and highly structured
– Pupils revisit prior learning to secure understanding and confidence
– Progress is closely monitored so pupils move on quickly when ready
Engaging, Age-Appropriate Reading
Fresh Start uses motivating, age-appropriate Modules. Older readers enjoy applying their new phonics knowledge to:
– Engaging decodable stories
– Interesting non-fiction texts
This helps pupils build confidence while developing reading fluency and comprehension.
