The close link between handwriting and spelling has been well established. In particular, it is clear that pupils with a fluent cursive script are more likely to become good spellers.

Entitlement and Curriculum Provision

• In Foundation and Year 1, there should be a daily phonics lesson (RWI)

• In Year 2, there should be a discrete phonics and/or spelling lesson at least 3 times a week. (RWI)

• In Key Stage 2, there should be a discrete spelling lesson which is directly linked to handwriting (see scheme) once per week, with planned opportunities at least 2 times per week for consolidation and re-enforcement. (RWI, Wake up brain / 9 o’clock work, Guided reading opportunities)

Continuity and Progression

• Spellings will be taught as directed by the National Literacy Strategy in KS 2 and by the RWI scheme as created by Chris Wallis and Sarah Prochazka.

• Each year group will have designated spellings.

• Spelling will be directly linked to handwriting during the discrete lesson

• Homework will support the spellings for the Year group.

In EYFS, KS 1 and selected EKS 2 children are taught in differentiated groups through the Read Write Inc programme. Teachers and Teaching Assistants (TAs) lead the different groups, which are closely monitored by the Reading Manager. All adults leading the groups have had training in RWI. Regular half termly assessments allow for movement between the differentiated groups and these are closely monitored and organised by the Reading manager. Pupil progress in spelling is carefully tracked and then analysed at year group, class and whole-school levels.  RWI approaches are shared with parents. For the majority of pupils in Yrs 3 and 4 and Yrs 5 and 6 pupils they will follow the NC.

Teaching and Learning

The teaching of spelling aims to develop pupils as independent spellers who take an active part in their own learning. Pupils are taught the knowledge and skills they need to become independent spellers. Routines and structures are provided to enable pupils to apply what they learn about spelling independently. The teaching of spelling aims to show pupils how to become confident, natural and accurate spellers.

There is an emphasis on developing confidence and independence. It is expected that pupils assume increased responsibility by identifying their own spelling errors, making reasoned choices about likely alternatives and using a range of resources (including Personal Spelling Journals, ‘a variety of dictionaries and word banks) for making corrections.

Spelling Shed

Spelling and word knowledge are key components in the process of learning to read and write. Spelling Shed makes the acquisition of these key skills fun and engaging for pupils.

Through a whole-school parent survey, it was deemed that parents wanted an online homework platform that gave instant feedback and was designed to enable independent use by the pupils. The game aspect of Spelling Shed ensures children are engaged and eager to practise their spellings regularly. The low-stakes games, quizzes and reward systems ensure that children find spelling fun.

As well as spelling, there are various components across the platform with teaching resources and activities for phonics, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. The teaching slides for spelling, grammar and punctuation fully cover the National Curriculum across the primary range.  Each year group is expected to discreetly teach each week’s spellings 2 to 3 times week in 9 o’clock work.

Homework / Spelling Points Contract - The Role of Parents and Carers

Spelling shed spellings accessed online for children to practise and consolidate the spellings that they are learning during the week. These words are tested formally once per week but it is expected that improvements will be seen in their independent writing over short periods of time. The spelling points contracts designed by Walkley staff complements the Spelling Shed scheme. The teaching team can monitor pupil use of the spelling shed scheme and children who access the website 3 times in a week will receive a tick on the spelling contract. Every 10 ticks will lead to a spelling certificate awarded through Golden assemblies. Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates are awarded through the school year.