Levels 8C and 8D continue Phase 5 by introducing split digraphs and additional alternative spellings. Children learn how vowel sounds change within words and practise reading with increased accuracy and independence.
Levels 8C & 8D
New Graphemes for Reading – Set 2
Levels 8C and 8D extend children’s understanding of alternative spellings and reading patterns. At this stage, children learn additional graphemes and are introduced to split digraphs, which play a key role in accurate reading and spelling. These levels further develop flexible decoding skills and prepare children for fluent, independent reading.
Learning continues to be supported by interactive phonics games on iOS and Android, ensuring consistent practice and consolidation.
Completion of Levels 1A–8B, or equivalent phonics and reading knowledge, is recommended.
What Will My Child Learn in Level 8C & 8D?
In Levels 8C and 8D, children learn new graphemes and discover how split digraphs change vowel sounds in words.
Graphemes Covered
• wh, ph, ew, oe, au
• a_e, e_e, i_e, o_e, u_e
Children learn to:
• Recognise and read words with new graphemes
• Understand how split digraphs work in reading
• Apply known sounds to unfamiliar words
• Read words more accurately and fluently
Key Skills Your Child Will Develop
By the end of these levels, your child will be able to:
• Read words containing split digraphs confidently (e.g. make, these, time, home)
• Recognise less common graphemes in everyday reading
• Decode unfamiliar words using flexible strategies
• Improve reading fluency and accuracy
These skills are essential for reading a wide range of texts with confidence.
Learning Through Games & Practice
All graphemes taught in Levels 8C and 8D are reinforced through interactive games and structured activities on iOS and Android.
Children practise by:
• Identifying graphemes and split digraphs in words
• Reading and blending words with alternative spellings
• Repeating activities that build automatic recognition
The structured, game-based approach supports consolidation while keeping children engaged and motivated.
Who Is This Level For?
• Children who have completed Levels 1A–8B
• Readers who are comfortable with basic graphemes and digraphs
• Children ready to master split digraphs and advanced spelling patterns
These levels are ideal for children progressing toward fluent, independent reading.
Why These Levels Are Important
Levels 8C and 8D address some of the most common spelling patterns in English. Understanding split digraphs and alternative graphemes reduces reading errors, improves accuracy, and equips children with the skills needed for confident reading, spelling, and long-term literacy success.
Please note: The pricing plans below apply only to Phase 5, (Levels 8C & 8D). Children will learn the following graphemes: wh, ph, ew, oe, au, a_e, e_e, i_e, o_e, u_e, with regular review sessions built in. This phase is typically taught over 12 sessions, each lasting 30–40 minutes: 10 teaching sessions plus 2 dedicated review sessions to support consolidation and confidence.
