28th November 2025Spelling
Spelling at TDJS
At Thames Ditton Junior School, we teach spelling because it is essential for confident, fluent writing and clear communication. Strong spelling supports pupils’ reading, vocabulary development and their ability to express ideas independently across the curriculum.
We follow the Sounds & Syllables programme, a whole-school approach that gives every child a simple, logical method for spelling any word. Pupils learn to say words clearly, break them into manageable syllables, identify the sounds in each part, and select the correct spellings. This mirrors our teaching and learning model, which emphasises breaking complex tasks into smaller steps, increasing automaticity and reducing cognitive load so pupils can focus more on meaning and composition.
By teaching spelling explicitly and practising it within real writing, children develop a strategy they can use independently. This structured, consistent approach helps all learners understand how English spelling works and supports them to become accurate, confident writers who can apply secure spelling skills in every subject.
