Intent
At Blowers Green Primary we ensure all pupils can articulate themselves with confidence and accuracy. Secure spelling underpins fluent writing and reading, enabling pupils to communicate effectively, understand word meaning and differentiate between homophones. Accurate spelling supports confidence, fluency and independence across the curriculum.
Inclusion
At Blowers Green Primary, the spelling curriculum is inclusive by design. From phonics-based beginnings through to investigative spelling in KS2, every child receives scaffolded support, explicit rule-teaching and varied rehearsal approaches. Weekly low-stakes tests, and targeted tutoring ensure that pupils who find spelling challenging remain fully engaged and develop accuracy, fluency and independence.
Implementation
EYFS & KS1: Spelling is taught through Read Write Inc. Phonics, with early grammar and punctuation embedded within daily teaching. Classrooms model standard English, and adults support children to self-correct through talk and writing. Parents receive regular guidance via Class Dojo.
KS1 Transition:
In Year 2, pupils move onto the whole school Spelling Book Approach. This includes revisiting and strengthening phonics knowledge while developing confidence with spelling patterns, rules and common exception words. Pupils also engage with Go Grapheme Grafters, enabling them to rehearse and secure key grapheme–phoneme correspondences through short, focused tasks.
KS2:
Across Key Stage 2, spelling is taught through a two-week cycle that alternates between explicit Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) instruction and investigative spelling sessions. Teaching explores rules, patterns, morphology and etymology, supported by regular short burst practice and the introduction of new word sets every fortnight. Pupils also participate in Jane Considine’s 10 Minute Challenges, which provide rapid, high-impact rehearsal of spelling strategies, grapheme knowledge and word building skills to strengthen long-term retention.
Impact
Progress: Spelling outcomes continue to improve year on year, with pupils demonstrating increasing accuracy, independence and confidence when applying taught strategies.
Application: Pupils routinely use dictionaries, classroom resources and peer support to check and refine their spelling. Accurate spelling is evident across subjects, with year group spelling patterns applied consistently in everyday writing. Children from Reception – Year 6 are expected to complete their bespoke year group Spelling Challenge to be awarded their badge.
Pupil Voice:
“I like learning different strategies so I can work out spellings on my own.”
“Spelling is easier now because I know how to break words into smaller parts.”
Assessment
The Spelling Book baseline and end-of-year assessments (Years 3–6).
EYFS and KS1 phonics-based baselines and ongoing teacher reviews.
Weekly Super-Sentence dictation activities, low stakes, high challenge.
Subject Knowledge, Skills and Vocabulary
Our spelling curriculum builds secure understanding of phonics, patterns and morphology. Pupils develop:
- Phonological awareness – recognising and applying sound-letter correspondences.
- Spelling patterns and rules – identifying and applying conventions accurately.
- Morphology and etymology – understanding roots, prefixes and suffixes to derive meaning.
- Vocabulary development – exploring word origins and meanings to strengthen comprehension.
- Accuracy and independence – editing and self-correcting to maintain fluency and confidence. Progression from phonics to advanced word study ensures pupils spell accurately, apply patterns confidently and use ambitious vocabulary in their writing.