Intent

At Hawkchurch Primary School, we are committed to fostering a love for language and literacy in our students. Our spelling curriculum, implemented through the Spelling Shed scheme, is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging approach to spelling instruction.

We aim to develop the following through our spelling scheme: 

1. Engagement and Enjoyment: We aim to make spelling an enjoyable and engaging part of our students’ learning journey. Through interactive and fun activities, we strive to instill a positive attitude towards spelling.

2. Phonics and Morphology: Our curriculum is grounded in the principles of phonics and morphology. We focus on the relationship between sounds and written symbols, and the use of word parts to aid in spelling and understanding meanings.

3. Progressive Learning: The Spelling Shed scheme offers a structured and progressive approach to spelling. With 216 lessons spread over six stages, our students build on their knowledge systematically, ensuring a solid foundation in spelling.

4. Individualised Support: We recognize that each student is unique. The Spelling Shed’s Mastery Zone allows us to tailor learning to individual needs, providing targeted practice to help every student achieve mastery in spelling.

5. Curriculum Integration: Spelling is integrated across our curriculum. We ensure that students apply their spelling skills in various contexts, enhancing their overall literacy and communication abilities.

Implementation

At Hawkchurch Primary School, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality spelling instruction through the Spelling Shed scheme. Our implementation strategy ensures that all students benefit from a structured, engaging, and effective approach to spelling.

1. Weekly Spelling Lessons: Each week, students participate in dedicated spelling lessons using the Spelling Shed resources. These lessons are designed to introduce new spelling patterns and rules in a systematic manner.

2. Interactive Activities: We incorporate a variety of interactive activities, including games and challenges available on the Spelling Shed platform, to reinforce learning and make spelling practice enjoyable.

3. Differentiated Instruction: Recognising the diverse needs of our students, we use the Mastery Zone feature to provide adapted instruction. This allows us to tailor activities and support to individual learning levels, ensuring that all students can progress at their own pace.

4. Assessment and Feedback: Regular assessments and feedback are integral to our approach. We use data from Spelling Shed to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes.

By implementing the Spelling Shed scheme, Hawkchurch Primary School is dedicated to equipping our students with the essential spelling skills they need for their academic journey and beyond.

Impact

At Hawkchurch Primary School, the implementation of the Spelling Shed scheme has significantly enhanced our approach to spelling instruction, resulting in notable improvements in student outcomes and engagement.

1. Improved Spelling Proficiency: Since adopting the Spelling Shed scheme, our students have shown marked improvements in their spelling abilities. Regular practice and interactive activities have helped students internalize spelling patterns and rules more effectively.

2. Increased Student Engagement: The gamified elements of Spelling Shed have made spelling practice more enjoyable and engaging for our students. This increased engagement has led to higher participation rates and a more positive attitude towards spelling.

3. Enhanced Adaptation: The Mastery Zone feature has allowed us to provide tailored support to meet the diverse needs of our students. This personalised approach has ensured that all students, regardless of their starting point, can make significant progress.

4. Consistent Assessment and Feedback: The data tracking and reporting features of Spelling Shed have enabled us to conduct regular assessments and provide timely feedback. This has helped us identify areas for improvement and celebrate student successes, contributing to a culture of continuous learning.

5. Cross-Curricular Benefits: The skills developed through Spelling Shed are applied across the curriculum, enhancing overall literacy and communication abilities. Students are better equipped to tackle spelling challenges in various subjects, leading to improved academic performance.