Spelling and Handwriting
In EYFS, children are taught how to form lower case and upper case letters correctly. Cursive script is taught from Year 1 onwards with the expectation that all children join their letters correctly by the end of Year 2. In Year 3, children are taught to join independently and begin to write fluently in cursive script with the expectation that the children will be writing in pen in Year 4. Children in Year 5 and Year 6 are then able to continue to practice and perfect their handwriting in order to be able to write neatly, with speed and efficiency, and sustain this over longer pieces of writing.
Spelling in EYFS and Year 1 is closely linked to reading and is taught through the Little Wandle phonics program (see Reading page).
Spelling is taught discretely from Year 2 onwards using ‘The Spelling Book’ by Jane Considine.
Lessons include investigations into spelling, and revise, practise and apply activities. Spellings are not sent home to learn but children have their own personal ‘Focus Five’ words to learn in school and are given bi-weekly progress checks.