INTENT

At Cherry Orchard, we want our pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and to be able to spell new words by effectively applying the rules, patterns and strategies they learn throughout their time in primary school.  We encourage our pupils to communicate orally using Standard English, so that they can apply this accurately to their writing.

IMPLEMENTATION

High-quality grammar and punctuation teaching is contextualised and is taught to enable the pupils to adapt their writing to create an impact on the reader.

Grammar and punctuation are usually taught as part of the sequence of learning for English.  High-quality texts are selected to ensure specific grammar and punctuation are modelled for the children.  These texts are chosen as a result of assessing what the next steps are for our current cohort of children.  The sequence is then carefully planned to ensure these next steps are targeted and achieved by the end of the unit.  Very occasionally, some grammar and punctuation teaching may be taught discretely if a link to the text cannot be made.

In Early Years and Key Stage One, learning to correctly spell words is closely linked to the sounds they are learning in Read, Write Inc.  In Key Stage Two, children follow a structured scheme called ‘No Nonsense Spelling’.  Word investigations are promoted through the use of spelling journals and spellings are practised weekly using a range of different strategies.

At the start of every unit of work, pupils are given differentiated spelling lists, which include common exception words and text-related words, which are the focus for the sequence.  At the start of every lesson, pupils practise two spelling words which should then be used in their writing for that day.  We have high expectations for spelling and expect children to copy spelling accurately, whenever they are displayed.     

IMPACT

• Our pupils will be confident communicators; they will be able to talk for a range of audiences, using Standard English
• Pupils will be able to spell the common exception words for their year group and will use these accurately in their writing
• Pupils will apply what they have learned in spelling to their writing in all subjects
• Pupils will continue to use their knowledge of phonics to help them spell accurately
• Pupils will ‘have a go’ and will use their knowledge of word reading to check to see if a spelling ‘looks right’
• The percentage of pupils working at age-related expectations and above age-related expectations for Writing, within each year group, will be at least in-line with national averages and will match the ambitious targets of individual children
• The will be no significant gaps in the progress of different groups of pupils (e.g. disadvantaged vs non-disadvantaged)
• Pupils and teaching staff will be confident with the grammar terminology and this will be used consistently and accurately across the school
• The percentage of pupils who achieve the expected level in the Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar test at the end of Year 6 will be at least in-line with national averages