Intent

At St John’s, we use the Read Write Inc. Spelling programme to ensure that all pupils develop the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to become accurate and independent spellers. Our intent is to build upon children’s phonics foundations and provide a consistent, engaging approach to spelling that supports progress in both writing and reading.

We aim to:

• Teach spelling rules and patterns systematically and explicitly, ensuring progression from phonics to more complex spelling strategies 
• Develop children’s understanding of morphology (prefixes, suffixes, root words), etymology, and word families to support vocabulary development and writing fluency 
• Ensure pupils become confident in applying their spelling knowledge in independent writing across the curriculum 
• Provide consistent opportunities for revisiting and consolidating learning to embed spelling knowledge in long-term memory 
• Encourage a positive attitude to spelling, where pupils are willing to practise, make mistakes, and improve through effective feedback and self-reflection

Implementation

The Read Write Inc. Spelling programme, is designed for children from Year 2 onwards, following their completion of the RWI phonics programme. It provides a clear, consistent structure for the teaching of spelling rules, patterns, and strategies, delivered in a fast-paced and engaging way.

The programme is taught in short, focused daily sessions that revisit prior learning while introducing new content in manageable steps. Each unit focuses on a specific spelling pattern or rule, reinforced through interactive activities, partner work, and visual memory strategies. Pupils are encouraged to identify patterns, build word knowledge, and apply their learning in their writing.

Key elements of our implementation include:

• Daily, 15–20-minute spelling lessons following a consistent, multisensory routine 
• Use of engaging online resources and animated video introductions to support visual and auditory learning 
• Weekly structured practice that includes “dots and dashes” (phoneme-grapheme mapping), “word changers” (morphology), and “four-in-a-row” activities to consolidate learning 
• Regular assessment through dictation and spelling tests to monitor progress and inform intervention 
• Opportunities to apply spelling knowledge in cross-curricular writing, promoting consistency and independence
  

Impact

The impact of our spelling program is evident in the improved accuracy, confidence, and independence shown by our pupils in their written work. Through a consistent and engaging daily approach, children secure a deep understanding of spelling rules, patterns, and word structures.

Pupil work, spelling assessments, and writing outcomes across the curriculum show that children are able to retain and apply their spelling knowledge over time. The use of structured routines and consistent teaching across all classes supports progression and builds confidence from one year to the next.