Transcription
We recognise that fluent transcription allows pupils to devote greater cognitive attention to composition.
For this reason, spelling, handwriting and dictation are explicitly taught throughout the school.
Spelling
At Repton Primary School, spelling is taught explicitly, systematically and progressively from EYFS to Year 6. Our approach is designed to develop pupils who understand spelling patterns, can apply their knowledge in independent writing and retain spelling knowledge over time.
In EYFS and Key Stage 1, phonics and spelling are taught through the Monster Phonics programme.
Phonics is taught daily and provides children with a secure understanding of:
The colour-coding and consistent structure of Monster Phonics supports pupils in making clear links between sounds and spellings, helping them become increasingly confident readers and writers.
As children progress through EYFS and Key Stage 1, they are taught to apply their phonics knowledge within both dictated and independent writing activities so that spelling becomes embedded within authentic communication.
In Key Stage 2, spelling is taught through Superhero Spellings, which builds directly upon the foundations established through Monster Phonics. Superhero Spellings provides a structured approach to teaching:
Pupils participate in dedicated spelling lessons twice per week, allowing spelling knowledge to be revisited and practised regularly.
Teachers actively encourage pupils to apply newly learned spelling patterns across all areas of writing, helping them transfer knowledge from discrete lessons into meaningful written outcomes.
Spelling homework reflects the learning taking place within the classroom.
Each week, pupils take home information about the sounds, spelling patterns and rules that have been taught. This is intended to:
Homework activities are selected at the discretion of the class teacher and may include:
The purpose of spelling homework is not simply to memorise a list of words but to develop secure understanding of spelling patterns and increase pupils' ability to apply these independently within their writing.
Parents are encouraged to engage with these materials if they wish to provide additional practice and support at home.
Removal of Spelling Tests (September 2026)
At Repton Primary School, we believe that successful spelling is demonstrated through accurate application within writing rather than the short-term memorisation of isolated words. For this reason, we no longer use weekly spelling tests as our primary measure of progress.
Instead, pupils regularly participate in dictation and application activities which require them to apply recently taught spelling patterns, alongside grammar, punctuation and handwriting knowledge, within meaningful contexts. This approach reflects our wider philosophy that writing should be purposeful and that transcription skills should support effective communication.
By focusing on application rather than recall alone, we are better able to assess whether pupils have developed a secure understanding of spelling patterns and can transfer this knowledge into their independent writing. This supports long-term retention, promotes deeper learning and helps pupils become fluent, confident writers.