St Mark's Primary School 
Spelling
Spelling at St Mark's - Information for Parents
Our Vision:
At St Mark’s, we encourage our pupils to think and write creatively, be adventurous with their use of language and to write with clear purpose and for pleasure.
In order for these aims to happen, it is vital that our pupils learn the knowledge and skills to spell accurately. Children who can spell feel confident and are able to write with enjoyment.
We want our pupils to be equipped with the knowledge and range of strategies for learning spelling and to be able to apply their strategies when spelling words in their independent writing.
Our teachers enjoy exploring and investigating the patterns and contradictions of the English language and we encourage the children to take delight in what they discover.
Spelling Curriculum
At StMark’s, we following the Unlocking Letters and Sounds (ULS) Spelling scheme of work. This aligns with our Phonics and Handwriting schemes.
The ULS Spelling curriculum is carefully mapped out so that children build on their knowledge year by year, revisiting and strengthening previously taught spelling patterns while learning new rules and conventions.
Each week, children focus on a specific spelling rule, pattern or word structure. They learn to identify patterns, investigate how words are constructed, and apply their knowledge in both spelling activities and independent writing. Alongside this, children learn statutory words from the National Curriculum and strategies for tackling unfamiliar spellings.
Spelling sessions are taught from Year 2 (spring term onwards) and all year in Years 3-6.
Spelling Lessons:
In Years 3 to 6, discrete 15 minute spelling sessions are taught over the course of a week. In Year 2, discreet spelling sessions are taught from January onwards, once our Unlocking Letters and Sounds Phonics programme is completed.
Spelling sessions consist of 4 stages:
Review / Retrieve – children will revisit sounds and spelling
patterns from lessons taught previously in the scheme.
Learn - children will be introduced to the spelling focus, pattern or rule of the week. Word meanings and their history (etymology) are also explored.
Practice - children will practice and explore words that follow the focus spelling pattern or rule and also any anomalies or exceptions.
Apply – children will independently complete spelling activities and low-stake spelling tests to apply and consolidate their learning.
We do not send spelling lists home or set weekly spelling homework. If you would like to support your child with their spelling at home, please see our school website for each year group’s termly learning as well as some fun spelling activities and ideas to try at home!
KS2 Statutory Word Lists by Year