Teaching Systematic Synthetic Phonics in Primary Schools (Transforming Primary QTS Series) - Softcover

I found the information on the pedagogy of phonics, especially teaching phonics in KS2, very useful. I enjoyed reading about how and why to teach phonics in KS2 as this is something which I think is overlooked in many other phonics books.   Another positive point is that this book has activity ideas incorporated in the chapters. This really puts the information into perspective; it makes the ideas a lot more practical and classroom-ready. Many of the activities can be just slightly adapted by a class teacher and incorporated into several different phonics sessions. Many of the activities are new to me which was interesting to read.   Assessment is also mentioned in some parts of the book. I found this helpful as sometimes the only type of phonics assessment mentioned is the Phonics Screening Test which mostly summative. The book, however, suggests formative assessment opportunities which is very insightful!   I also own the first edition of this book – if you’re wondering whether to buy this one, I would say it definitely is different and updated so would be beneficial if you’re looking to keep up-to-date with phonics assessment, pedagogy and knowledge.  

Jasmin, Teacher

Wendy Jolliffe is Professor of Education and worked in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) for 14 years; latterly as Head of Teacher Education at the University of Hull. She worked previously as a Regional Adviser for the National Strategies and advised ITT providers on effective provision for literacy.  She has published extensively in Primary English and Cooperative Learning.

David Waugh is a former deputy headteacher who worked in ITT from 1990 at the University of Hull, where he led the PGCE course and became Head of Department. In 2008 he was appointed as one of two (the other being Wendy) National Strategies Regional Advisers for ITT. He is currently lectures at Durham University. He has published extensively in primary English, as well as developing e-learning resources for National Strategies for English, mathematics and mentoring and coaching. David also writes children’s stories, including The Wishroom, which was written with 45 children from 15 East Durham primary schools and published in 2017.

Angela Gill (formerly Carss) is a former Primary school teacher and English subject leader. She taught in schools in County Durham and Bath and North East Somerset for more than 20 years. She is the Primary English Subject Lead at Durham University where she teaches both undergraduates and postgraduates.  She has written books, articles and chapters on many aspects of Primary English for ITE students and primary practitioners.