At Captain Webb, we follow the Oxford Owl spelling programme. We use Autumn 1 to recap tricky spelling rules from previous years such as silent letters, using the prefix dis- and in- and adding the suffix -ly.

We try and teach the children the key vocabulary of suffix and prefix:

Suffix – A letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to make a new word

Prefix – A letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word to make a new word

The rest of the year focuses on Year 4 spelling rules such as:

• Adding the prefix mis-
• Words ending in sure
• Ay sound spelt ei, eigh and ey
• Words ending in ous
• Adding ir to words beginning with r
• Adding the suffix -ion

The last week of every half term will be an opportunity for teachers to assess and review the spellings rules taught that half term to close any gaps.

We also include several ‘orange words’ a week, which are tricky words from the Year 3 and 4 spelling lists. We try and pick orange words that link to our current writing units to encourage children to include them in their writing in English lessons.