Children begin their spelling journey in Reception and do this through their phonic knowledge. At St Mary's, we use the Monster Phonics scheme in a whole class setting from Reception to Year 2 (see Phonics page). 

When children enter Key Stage 2, if they have a secure understanding of their phonics, they begin to look at the National Curriculum spelling rules using Superhero Spelling (https://superherospelling.com/). 

This scheme offers a weekly focus learning objective and children practise these words using engaging activities, as well as understanding the rules associated with them. 

As well as this, children spend time practising, and becoming competent at spelling the National Curriculum words, for which there are lists at each Key Stage. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ccc06ed915d63cc65ce61/English_Appendix_1_-_Spelling.pdf

Homework 

Between Years 1-6, children will be given a weekly spelling list (from the National Curriculum spellings) in their reading record. These are to be learnt at home each week for a test at the end of each half-term. This enables us to accurately know which words children need to continue to revise. There are six lists of spellings in total for each year group and these will be revised each half-term to support children in remembering them. 

As well as this, children will receive handwriting homework which includes the spelling words they are learning in class that week (linked to Superhero Spelling). These will not be revised each half-term unless necessary.