Spelling

At Downfield, it is hoped that during Year 2, pupils transition from their phonics learning into spelling instruction. Spelling lessons in KS1 take a similar format and teaching sequence to phonics lessons; these take place daily. 

In KS2, pupils receive a weekly spelling lesson alongside regular opportunities to practise and apply their skills during literacy lessons and the wider curriculum. At Downfield we use HFL's Essential Spelling as a basis for our lessons. This consists of a series of learning sequences delivered to each year group. These sequences have been adapted to include much revisiting of the Alphabetic Code chart which features so prevalently in the Downfield Systematic Synthetic Phonics Program. Children are also encouraged to continue considering the "Best Bet" approach. 

Please see the video below for information on how we use Alphabetic Code Charts to support with the teaching of spelling and phonics. Copies of the charts are available to download below.