St John The Baptist Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

By the end of year 1, pupils should be able to read a large number of different words containing the GPCs that they have learnt, whether or not they have seen these words before. Spelling, however, is a very different matter. Once pupils have learnt more than one way of spelling particular sounds, choosing the right letter or letters depends on their either having made a conscious effort to learn the words or having absorbed them less consciously through their reading. Younger pupils have not had enough time to learn or absorb the accurate spelling of all the words that they may want to write.

Below are links to year group spellings. Many of the words listed as ‘example words’ for years 1 and 2, including almost all those listed as ‘exception words’, are used frequently in pupils’ writing, and therefore it is worth pupils learning the correct spelling. The word-lists for years 3 and 4 and years 5 and 6 are statutory. The lists are a mixture of words pupils frequently use in their writing and those which they often misspell. Some of the listed words may be thought of as quite challenging, but the 100 words in each list can easily be taught within the four years of key stage 2 alongside other words that teachers consider appropriate.

Year Group Spellings

Each week your child will be set weekly spellings, these spellings will be taught, distributed and tested weekly.  The spellings will run in the following order.  Please note, dates may not be current on these uploads due to weeks/days missing.

If your child is working towards their year group expectation, their teacher may set spellings more appropriate to their learning needs from alternative year groups.

The teaching of reading in our English Curriculum aims to promote high standards of reading through clear progressive planning and effective teaching. We will share our own enthusiasm for books with the children to inspire them and help them to develop their own love of reading.

We teach reading to enable pupils to become enthusiastic and critical readers, to read fluently, confidently and with understanding.  To develop the children’s stamina when reading and to ensure that the life skill of reading is secure, in order to access all other curriculum areas.

Reading at St John's is taught in many ways, through many differing opportunities depending on the age of the child.  Through EYFS and KS1 early reading is at the forefront of teaching and learning on a day to day basis.  Readers are listened to most days, books are given which will develop confidence as well as a level of challenge for when reading at home.  Phonic books are given alongside books, linking to the current taught phonics phase. 

Through KS2 we deliver a novel based approach to reading, using the text as a stimulus and linking reading objectives through the tasks set.  Reading for pleasure is promoted as well as stamina, working on pace and intonation when reading aloud.

The teaching of writing forms a major part of the English Curriculum, at St John's we aim to promote high standards of writing, through clear progressive planning and effective teaching.

We aim to promote self-confidence, so that pupils feel able to communicate their ideas effectively in writing, whilst gaining skills and confidence in the use of spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG).

We aim to show our own enthusiasm for books with the children to inspire them and help them to develop a love of writing.