Spelling

Strategies for learning to spell in the languages within our schools, except for BSL, relate to how sounds are represented by the letters of the relevant alphabet, and how many different combinations of letters can produce the same sounds.  

To read and write in any written language, an understanding of phonics systematically developed is a helpful start for most early readers as they develop as lifelong, confident and curious readers who continue to develop their writing to suit purpose and audience, including as creative communicators.  Schools should select the systematic synthetic phonics programme that best meets the needs of their learners and enables secure spelling to develop.

Comparing and contrasting the different spelling patterns and exceptions across different languages can support meaning making and therefore develop memory and fluency.  For example, learning that 'C' and 'G' each have two sounds in Spanish, both softened when followed by 'I' or 'E', is supported by an understanding of how these vowels affect consonants in English, and the use of double consonants in Welsh and Spanish are common features.