Superhero Spellings

At Repton Primary School, we use Superhero Spellings to support children in learning and applying spelling patterns. Rather than simply memorising words for a weekly test, we focus on helping children understand spelling rules and patterns so they can use them confidently in their everyday writing.

Each week, children will be given a set of spellings linked to the spelling pattern they have been learning in class. We encourage parents to practise these words regularly at home, using the activities provided or any methods that work well for your child.

Below are the spellings that children will be learning each week in Year 4.

A Different Approach to Spelling

We will not be carrying out traditional weekly spelling tests. Research shows that children can often learn spellings for a test but struggle to apply them independently in their writing. We have also seen the impact of not doing spelling tests on children's mental wellbeing and anxiety levels. 

Instead, we want children to become confident, accurate spellers when they are writing for real purposes.

To help achieve this, we will:

• Teach spelling patterns and rules explicitly.
• Revisit previously learned spellings regularly.
• Practise spelling through engaging activities.
• Apply spellings in meaningful writing tasks.
• Use daily dictation sentences in English lessons to help children use spellings accurately in context.

Dictation allows children to practise spelling, punctuation and sentence construction together, helping them transfer their knowledge into their independent writing.

How Parents Can Help

Please support your child by:

• Practising the weekly spellings at home.
• Discussing the spelling pattern and spotting examples in books or around the home.
• Completing any spelling activities sent home.
• Encouraging your child to use these words in sentences and everyday writing.

By working together, we can help children develop spelling knowledge that lasts and, most importantly, can be applied confidently in their own writing.