Reading

At Gilbert Ward Academy, we understand that literacy skills are essential for academic success and life-long learning. That's why we use Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start, two highly regarded programs that offer a structured and sequential approach to teaching literacy skills. 

Ruth Miskin Phonics: Building Strong Foundations for Literacy 

Ruth Miskin Phonics provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching phonics, reading, writing, and spelling. It is based on the principles of synthetic phonics, where pupils are taught to link sounds (phonemes) with the corresponding letter or group of letters (graphemes). 

The program is carefully sequenced, ensuring that pupils build upon their existing knowledge and skills. It includes assessments to monitor progress and identify areas where additional support is needed, enabling our teachers to differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions. 

Ruth Miskin Phonics is accessed by pupils who require foundational support in literacy skills. This includes pupils who may have gaps in their knowledge or require additional practice to build their confidence and proficiency in reading, writing, and spelling. 

Ruth Miskin Fresh Start: Targeted Intervention for Catch-Up Support 

Ruth Miskin Fresh Start is a specialized program designed for older pupils who have fallen behind in their literacy skills. It provides targeted intervention and catch-up support, enabling pupils to make rapid progress and gain confidence in their abilities. 

We introduce Ruth Miskin Fresh Start for pupils who require catch-up support in literacy skills, typically in upper secondary age. The program offers intensive support and practice in reading, writing, and spelling, filling in any gaps in literacy knowledge that pupils may have. 

Ruth Miskin Fresh Start is integrated with Ruth Miskin Phonics, ensuring a seamless transition and continuous progression in literacy skills. Our teachers use their expertise and a range of assessment tools to determine the most appropriate program for each pupil. They continuously evaluate the impact of these programs through ongoing assessments and progress monitoring, ensuring that every pupil receives the individualized support they require. 

The Advantages of Using Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start 

There are many advantages to using Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start at our special school for pupils with SEMH needs. These include: 

• Evidence-Based Success: Both programs are rooted in evidence-based practices, with research demonstrating their positive impact on pupils' literacy skills. 
• Differentiated Instruction: Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start enable our teachers to differentiate instruction and provide targeted interventions based on each pupil's individual needs. 
• Integration and Progression: The integration of Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start ensures a seamless transition and continuous progression in literacy skills, enabling our pupils to make rapid progress and gain confidence in their abilities. 
• Multisensory Learning: Ruth Miskin Phonics incorporates multisensory learning, engaging multiple senses and catering to diverse learning styles. This supports our pupils with SEMH needs and enhances engagement and reinforcement of learning. 

Unlocking Potential through Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start 

At our special school for pupils with SEMH needs, we are committed to unlocking the potential of every pupil. By using Ruth Miskin Phonics and Fresh Start, we provide a comprehensive and tailored approach to literacy instruction that enables our pupils to build strong foundations and develop the literacy skills necessary for academic success and life-long learning.