Spelling at St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School

At St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to ensuring children develop a secure understanding of spelling patterns, rules, and strategies to become confident, accurate, and independent writers. We follow the CUSP Spelling Curriculum, a research-based and systematic approach that ensures progression and mastery of spelling knowledge across the primary years.

Intent

Our spelling curriculum aims to:

• Provide children with a deep understanding of spelling patterns, rules, and strategies to spell words accurately and fluently.
• Develop children’s confidence in applying their spelling knowledge across all areas of writing.
• Equip children with the tools to analyze and decode unfamiliar words independently.
• Embed a strong understanding of morphology (roots, prefixes, and suffixes) and etymology (word origins) to enrich vocabulary and spelling accuracy.
• Foster a lifelong appreciation of language and its structure.

Implementation

• CUSP Spelling Curriculum: The curriculum is sequenced to revisit and build on previous learning, ensuring children develop mastery over time. Each unit focuses on specific spelling rules, patterns, or word families.
• Daily Practice: Spelling is taught explicitly and practiced daily, allowing children to consolidate and apply their knowledge.
• Systematic Approach: Lessons include decoding, exploring word origins, investigating patterns, and applying learning in context.
• Morphology and Etymology: Pupils develop an understanding of word construction by exploring prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
• Application in Writing: Children are encouraged to apply their spelling knowledge across all areas of the curriculum to embed accuracy in real-world contexts.
• Assessment and Feedback: Regular assessment ensures that progress is monitored, misconceptions are addressed, and additional support is provided where needed.

Supporting SEND Learners in Spelling

At St Catherine’s, we are committed to ensuring all children, including those with SEND, can access the spelling curriculum:

• Lessons are adapted to provide scaffolding, including word mats, visual cues, and targeted support.
• Multi-sensory approaches (e.g., visual aids, practical tasks, and oral rehearsal) help children engage with spelling rules.
• Repetition and small-step learning ensure that all children build confidence and accuracy.
• Support is tailored to individual needs to help pupils access the curriculum at their own pace.

Impact

• Confident Spellers: Children develop confidence and fluency in spelling, which positively impacts their writing across the curriculum.
• Mastery of Language: Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of word construction, spelling rules, and language patterns.
• Resilient Learners: Children use strategies to decode unfamiliar words independently and apply their learning in context.
• High Standards: Accurate spelling contributes to high-quality writing outcomes, enabling children to express themselves effectively.

At St Catherine’s, we are proud of the progress and achievements of our pupils in spelling and their enthusiasm for exploring language. For more information about our spelling curriculum or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office.