Statement of intent

Denham Village School recognises its responsibility to deliver the national curriculum and is committed to ensuring that all pupils are given the opportunity and support to progress and develop to their full potential.

The school understands the importance of being able to spell quickly and accurately through knowing the relationship between sounds and letters, understanding the word structure and spelling structure of words, and enabling pupils to transcribe ideas fluently.

Whilst there is a range of different ways that spelling is learned and acquired, the school’s approach to the teaching and learning of spelling will be personalised and adapted to suit each pupil’s circumstances and ability where necessary.

Spelling is an essential skill for primary school children to learn, as it helps them to communicate effectively in written form and builds a strong foundation for their education. Teaching children the basics of spelling not only helps them to write clearly, but also increases their confidence in their abilities.

To support our children’s understanding of words and their spelling, we are adapting our approach to spelling and focusing on using words correctly in writing and reading.

Teaching Spellings.

• Denham Village School has developed two-year spelling lists for KS1 and KS2 to support mixed-year group teaching.
• All children will be given ten spellings to learn, in a range of formats.
• All the children will have a spelling test weekly. This will include dictation sentences that include some of the spelling words and check the children’s use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Test scores will be recorded but not shared in a formal way. Children who are making good progress with their spelling will be given a sticker by their teacher.
• Progress with spellings will be discussed at Parent’s Evening.  Any concerns, as well as success, will be shared in the school planner by the class teacher.
• Homework will consist of learning the spellings as well as writing sentences. 

KS1:  One sentence with two tricky words

The children will learn a sentence which will contain key spelling words.

KS2: The test will consist of their spelling words followed by two/three dictation sentences.

The sentences will be marked with a focus on grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Testing Spelling

KS1 and Reception:

• Learn spellings as part of their daily phonics sessions.
• KS1 will focus on common exception words as well as spelling patterns.

KS2

• At the start of the week, the spelling pattern will be shared and displayed in the class with the focus words.  The display will be added to as the children discover words with the same spelling pattern.  This will develop the range and vocabulary that the children are exposed to.
• Spellings will be referred to and rehearsed in class through tasks at the start of the day or at the start of reading sessions.
• Children will look at the use and definitions of the words.
• Handwriting will help support spelling.
• The spelling test will be carried out as well as dictation sentences.  The dictation is marked for spelling and punctuation.