This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Pupils get head start in literacy
11/02/2005
Pupils across Scotland are reaping the rewards of
innovative techniques which teach children to combine
letters to read new words, rather than recognising words on
sight.
A study published today shows that pupils who learn to
read using synthetic phonics make impressive progress in
reading and spelling throughout primary school.
The research report -
The Effects of Synthetic Phonics Teaching on
Reading , Spelling and Attainment - looked at schools in Clackmannanshire that have been
using the system for seven years. It tracked pupils'
progress throughout primary school. By the end of Primary
7, Clackmannanshire children were approximately 2.5 years
ahead in reading ability.
The system is in operation at Merkinch Primary in
Inverness, and schools in Edinburgh have been using a
variation of this system since the mid 1990s.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"It is encouraging to see pupils benefit from innovative
approaches to core subjects. These youngsters have a head
start in reading and writing that will stand them in good
stead for the rest of their lives.
"I recently saw the system in operation during a visit
to Merkinch in Inverness. Primary one pupils were already
reading a variety of words and clearly enjoyed reading.
"Our research shows that this success can continue
throughout primary school. This strong foundation will
prepare them well for the challenges of school and adult
life, helping them to become ambitious, confident
Scots."
Roy Jobson, Director of Education at City of
Edinburgh Council, said:
"In Edinburgh we have long since recognised the benefits
of using a synthetic phonics approach to teaching English
in schools. It provides children with a coding system
enabling them to build words from their basic parts.
"The capital's youngsters are taught how certain letters
sound together, and as a result are much more likely to
develop a greater vocabulary far faster than by learning
individual words and relating them to pictures.
"This method provides our children with a basic, yet
highly effective, technique of learning language and I am
sure it will continue to produce more and more highly
literate, articulate and confident primary school
children."
Sheena Morrison, Head Teacher at Merkinch Primary,
said:
"The results of using this synthetic phonics approach
are very encouraging. Pupils appear confident in literacy
and are willing to 'have a go' at comparatively advanced
word building. The outcomes have also been a real boost to
the morale of parents and staff."