Spelling

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At Woodstock we understand how important it is for pupils to gain confidence in spelling throughout their primary education. The process of learning to spell is cumulative for most children.

Only a few lucky children learn to spell effortlessly without structured teaching. Most need explicit, systematic teaching that is continuously practised and reinforced, until spelling knowledge is committed to children’s long term memory. It is for this reason that we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) spelling systematic spelling programme to teach our pupils from Y2 to Y6. We follow the recommended process within RWI Spelling to ensure that pupils are ready for the next stage of learning.

What is Read Write Inc (RWI) Spelling?

Read Write Inc Spelling is a systematic spelling programme for children in year 2-6. It provides the support and resources to teach the spelling component of the National Curriculum with confidence and clarity to ensure that children:

Spell new words correctly and have plenty of practise in spelling them…including exception words and homophones
Spell words as accurately as possible using their phonics knowledge and other knowledge of spelling, such as morphology (the study of words) and etymology (the origin of words).
Are supported in understanding and applying the concepts of word structure.
Spell words that they have not yet been taught by using what they have learnt about how spelling works in English.

Our pupils gain familiarity with the structure and language of RWI in Reception and Y1 through accessing RWI Phonics so the transition to the RWI Spelling is well supported. Pupils in Reception are exposed to spellings within their phonics lessons and are provided with opportunities to apply spellings within continuous provision and guided writes once ready. In Year 1, spellings from the Y1 national curriculum are taught in phonics lessons. In addition, pupils have explicit teaching with daily practise through red rhythms and games to support recognition and understanding. These spellings are also sent home each week for additional practice. Children are tested on these spellings weekly.