1. SPaG

2. What is SPaG and why does it matter? SPaG stands for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Assessment: in year 6 pupils sit the English grammar, punctuation and spelling test as part of their KS2 SATs Future assessment: GCSEs for English literature, history, geography and religious studies now include a possible 5% penalty for poor SPaG displayed in exams. Beyond assessment: a confident command of SPaG gives writing authority and power.

3. Spelling : what are the expectations? The new National Curriculum sets high standards for spelling Lower school (Years 3 and 4) and upper school (Years 5 and 6) have separate ‘statutory word lists’ Examples: Y3/4: sentence, calendar, business. Y5/6: committee, guarantee, hindrance.

4. Spelling : what is happening at GJS? In addition to testing, a half-hour spelling lesson occurs once a week. Strategies being used throughout 2014/15: phonics; visualisation; mnemonics; rules; etymology; and dictionary skills

5. Spelling : how can I help my child succeed? Many tips and strategies are outlined in the hand-out: Practice: parental help in studying the weekly spelling list Reading: seeing words help children visualise correct spellings Games: Scrabble, Pass the Bomb and Boggle Puzzles: word searches, crosswords, apps on iPad Dictate: asking your child to help compiling lists. Spell the words out to them.

6. Punctuation and grammar: what are the expectations? Again, the new National Curriculum has set high expectations. Certain terms transcend year groups. These are included in your booklet. We seek to empower our learners by embracing SPaG terminology and applying the concepts to written work.

7. Punctuation and grammar: what is happening at GJS? Punctuation and grammar is now being taught discretely at Gomer Junior School. Our lesson structure: recap; explain; write; apply; assess. We embrace the technical language as a means to empower our children.

8. Punctuation and grammar: how can I help my child succeed? Many tips and strategies are included in the hand-out. Use these in addition to testing the knowledge of terms: Silly sentence makers: encourage your child to create silly sentences that make sense. Get your sentences in order: turn sentences into jigsaw puzzles. Online resources and games: The British Council’s grammar games and more.

9. Writing: the wider context SPaG is an essential component of becoming a skilled writer. Other elements include a) text structure and organisation and b) composition and effect. To see levelled writing, access www.gov.uk and search for ‘writing exemplifications’.www.gov.uk

10. SPaG in the classroom Please take this opportunity to join a SPaG lesson in your child’s classroom.