Spelling and Vocabulary
At the heart of our curriculum is a systematic and progressive approach to developing strong spelling and a rich vocabulary across all year groups. We believe that securing these fundamental skills is key to unlocking reading comprehension and effective written communication.

Early Years and Key Stage 1 (Reception - Year 2)

• In Reception and Key Stage 1, we utilise the highly effective Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised program to map out the progression for both phonics and spelling. This ensures a seamless transition from learning sounds to applying them in written words. Reception and Year 1: Focus on securing GPCs (grapheme-phoneme correspondences) and mastering the blending and segmenting of words. The spelling progression is directly linked to the sounds taught in the daily phonics sessions.
• Year 2: We continue to build on the Little Wandle framework, introducing spelling patterns, homophones, and the statutory word list alongside phonics-based teaching.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3 - 6)
For Key Stage 2, we have developed a comprehensive Spelling and Vocabulary Progression Map that ensures a deep and cumulative understanding of language structure.

• Morphology and Etymology - a core component of our map is the explicit teaching of root words derived from Latin and Greek origins. By mastering these foundational morphemes, children gain the tools to decipher and spell a vast number of words in the English language, exponentially increasing their vocabulary. For example, understanding the Latin root port helps children spell and define words like transport, portable, and import.

• Tier 2 Vocabulary Selection - our progression map is carefully integrated with our Oracy Framework. We have specifically selected high-utility, Tier 2 words (words that are used frequently and are crucial for academic success) to be taught and reinforced across the curriculum. This focus ensures children can express complex ideas with precision and clarity, both orally and in writing.

This rigorous and structured approach allows children to become confident, accurate spellers and articulate communicators by the time leave Foxfield Primary School.