Spelling & Grammar

Activities for teaching spelling are varied and engaging and are developed through use of No Nonsense. The No Nonsense Spelling Programme is designed to provide comprehensive yet accessible progression in the teaching of spelling. The focus of the programme is on the teaching of spelling, which embraces knowledge of spelling conventions – patterns and rules; but integral to the teaching is the opportunity to promote the learning of spellings, including statutory words, common exceptions and personal spellings.

Across the school, we use the Nelson Spelling revision materials, in order to revisit spelling patterns and rules from the KS2 programme of study. We also use 8 Core Spelling Strategies which are taught across KS1 and KS2 (see Spelling Strategy Posters).

Statutory word lists for KS1 and KS2 are taught and practised for homework and during English lessons.  Spelling investigations for spelling patterns are used to engage children in their learning.

Vocabulary is explicitly taught and developed across the curriculum as well as occurring incidentally. Our teachers don’t just understand how children learn to read, they also know how important it is that children read to learn. Children are encouraged to notice words and are interested and curious about them. They dig down to the roots of words and develop knowledge of word parts and word families. Children then apply their ‘new’ vocabulary in their speaking and writing.

Grammar coverage is incorporated into exciting lessons which help the children to control their speaking and writing. We use Nelson Grammar & Punctuation as a scheme to ensure coverage and delivery of the objectives is consistent across year groups. Pupils are taught to use the correct grammatical terms, enabling them to discuss their reading and writing with accuracy and confidence.