Phonics is the understanding there is a predictable relationship between phonemes (the sounds of spoken language) and graphemes (the letters that represent them in written language). The ability to use phonetic skills is an essential component of reading and writing.

About the assessment

The Phonics diagnostic assessment is a short, on-demand assessment that tells teachers how students are progressing in phonics. The assessment complements existing strategies used to identify students' progress in foundational literacy skills development.

The assessment is conducted by classroom teachers with individual students. and can be used for any student from Kindergarten onwards.

The assessment allows students to demonstrate what they know and can do and clarifies for teachers their students’ phonic knowledge. Teachers use the assessment flexibly, by choosing which area of phonic knowledge they will assess, to suit the needs of individual students.

Information for families and carers

Difference to the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, is a mandatory assessment for all Year 1 students in department schools. This assessment uses 40 words to provide teachers with an overview of their student’s progress in phonics. An assessment is lodged for each Year 1 student during an assessment window in Term 3. More information on this assessment is available at Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.

The Phonics diagnostic assessment is available on-demand for all students. Students can be reassessed at any time. The assessment is organised into 4 sets of words which focus on specific phonic knowledge skills:

• VC and CVC words
  
• consonant digraphs and one-syllable words
• split/vowel digraphs and longer one-syllable words
• multisyllabic and more complex words.

If you have any questions relating to the Phonics diagnostic assessment, please speak to your school.