Our intent at South Hiendley Primary School is to follow the National Curriculum requirements for the teaching of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG). SPaG is taught throughout school, in Years 1-6 in accordance with the National Curriculum.
Through high quality language teaching and learning, children will be able to progress with their speaking, listening and writing skills.
Vocabulary is an intrinsic part of the curriculum and each classroom promotes a high level of vocabulary for each subject that is displayed clearly and usefully for the children to access; these words are Tier 3, ‘subject specific’ words that the children will learn during their subjects. At South Hiendley, we also promote the use of Tier 2 words (everyday words that we must be able to use and understand) in both our speech when we talk to the children, and through learning, which can be applied across the whole of the curriculum e.g. ‘examine,’ ‘apply’ and ‘research.’
Grammar and punctuation are taught within English lessons, where children can then apply what they have learnt to their work. SPaG activities in lessons are taught in a variety of ways that enables all children to learn in the best way for them; a mix of practical activities, written tasks and partner discussions. Grammar and punctuation are also reinforced through our marking policy by all adults – children then polish their work to correct their mistakes to further enable the mastery of this.
Spelling lessons are taught discretely in the weekly timetable, and also through English lessons. Children in Key Stage 1 also learn high frequency words, common exception words and rules.
At South Hiendley, we want to ensure that our children have the best outcomes in every aspect of learning and that every child fulfils their potential. By the end of Key Stage 2, children are assessed in their SPaG knowledge in the SATs, and through the mastery and application of it in their writing. As a school, we aim for more children to reach expected standard in this area in order for the children to have a strong start to their further educational journey. We want the children to articulate their knowledge and contribute to their own learning through dedicated pupil voice. Raising children’s expectations of themselves and their knowledge and use of vocabulary is a school-wide goal, which will continue to help the children in all areas of their lives.
