Synthetic Phonics

Follow this link for a summary about synthetic phonics and research results from St Michael’s (Stoke Gifford) School. St Michael’s is an outstanding example of a synthetic-phonics school with a large intake (about 90), with children entering school with relatively poor language skills. In 2004, it had 94% of children reaching Level 4 or higher in English at Key Stage 2 (national figure 77%) and 65% reaching Level 5 (national figure 29%). As the Key Stage 2 reading test is a comprehension test, these results suggest that the strong synthetic-phonics start, which is then built on appropriately in subsequent years, produces not only excellent word-readers but also excellent comprehenders.

A second study, ( A Seven Year Study of the Effects of Synthetic Phonics Teaching on Reading and Spelling Attainment: Rhona S Johnston and Joyce E Watson) concluded: the synthetic phonics programme led to children from lower socio-economic backgrounds performing at the same level as children from advantaged backgrounds for most of their time in primary school. It also led to boys performing better than or as well as girls.

Our conclusion from this research is that synthetic phonics helps to create equal reading and comprehension skills for all pupils, and therefore an important tool for teacher and pupil alike. Which is why we include it in our Startright Package.