Levels 5A and 5B align with Letters & Sounds Phase 3, introducing common consonant and vowel digraphs. Children learn that two letters can represent one sound and practise blending these sounds fluently within words. This stage marks a key step toward smoother reading.
Levels 5A & 5B
Letters & Sounds – Set 5
Levels 5A and 5B represent a major milestone in phonics development. At this stage, children are introduced to common consonant digraphs and vowel digraphs, allowing them to read a much wider range of words with greater fluency. These levels move children beyond simple sound-by-sound decoding toward smoother, more confident reading.
Learning continues to be supported by interactive phonics games on iOS and Android, ensuring structured practice and steady progress.
Completion of Levels 1A–4B, or equivalent phonics knowledge, is recommended.
What Will My Child Learn in Level 5A & 5B?
In Levels 5A and 5B, children learn that some sounds are represented by two or more letters working together.
Letters & Sounds Covered
• Level 5A: ch, sh, th, ng
• Level 5B: ai, ee, igh, oa
Children learn to:
• Recognise and pronounce common consonant digraphs
• Recognise and pronounce long vowel sounds written with vowel digraphs
• Understand that letter groups can represent a single sound
• Blend digraphs smoothly within words
Key Skills Your Child Will Develop
By the end of these levels, your child will be able to:
• Read words containing common digraphs with accuracy (e.g. ship, thin, ring, rain)
• Blend sounds more fluently and with fewer pauses
• Improve reading speed and confidence
• Begin reading short sentences more smoothly
These skills are essential for the transition from early decoding to fluent reading.
Learning Through Games & Practice
All digraphs and vowel sounds taught in Levels 5A and 5B are reinforced through interactive games and guided activities on iOS and Android.
Children practise by:
• Identifying digraph sounds in words
• Blending sounds to read words and short phrases
• Repeating activities that build automatic recognition
The structured, play-based approach ensures learning remains engaging while supporting real reading progress.
Who Is This Level For?
• Children who have completed Levels 1A–4B
• Early readers who can blend single-letter sounds confidently
• Children ready to learn digraphs and long vowel sounds
These levels are ideal for children moving toward independent early reading.
Why These Levels Are Important
Levels 5A and 5B introduce sound patterns that appear very frequently in English. Mastering these digraphs and vowel sounds allows children to read more naturally, reduces reliance on guessing, and prepares them for more advanced phonics, spelling patterns, and reading comprehension in later levels.
Please note: The pricing plans below apply only to Phase 3 (Levels 5A & 5B). Children will learn the following graphemes: ch, sh, th, ng, ai, ee, igh, oa, with regular review sessions built in. This phase is typically taught over 11 sessions, each lasting 30–40 minutes: 8 teaching sessions plus 3 dedicated review sessions to support consolidation and confidence.
