GPS

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS)

The vision for GPS at Repton Manor Primary School

Our vision for GPS is for Repton Manor Primary School children to be confident spellers who have an interest in the meaning of words and the origin of words by linking to other languages and word families. As educators we want children to be confident with language and know how and when to use words, phrases or specific sentences to have a deliberate impact on a reader. We want to build on the children’s grammar skills each year so they can develop into confident writers who are able to experiment with punctuation, grammar and language and have a secure understanding of the technical terms and write with ease, confidence and knowledge.

 

The Story of GPS at Repton Manor Primary School

In Early Years, GPS is not taught as a discrete lesson but is covered in Read, Write Inc lessons and through Writing Storytelling lessons. Children use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways that match their spoken sounds. They also write some irregular common words. They write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others. Some words are spelt correctly and others are phonetically plausible.

GPS in Key Stage One becomes more of a focus towards the end of Year 1 and especially in Year 2. The children begin to learn about word classes; adjectives, nouns and verbs and will know how to categorise them so they are able to use them in their writing. The use of capital letters and full stops in the children’s writing is also a particular focus in Year 1 so that the children are able to write a sentence. The children are also taught Read, Write Inc which not only allows them to read, but also focuses on using sounds in spelling words. Both year groups learn the Year 1 and 2 Common Exception Words to use in their writing. Weekly spelling rules are taught and practised discretely and children are tested on these words each week. As a school, we use Spelling Shed which allows parents to practise words with their children at home, but the website also has games for children to play using their weekly words.

In Key Stage 2, GPS is taught discretely but also included in Writing and Reading starters to ensure children understand how their skills are used in context. This allows the children to learn a grammatical focus but to also know how to use it in their writing.  Similarly, to Key Stage 1, spellings are handed out each week to learn and are tested the following week. The spelling rules are taught and practised weekly so that our children are able to apply the rules to new words that they encounter. Key Stage 2 children also learn their year groups common exception words and their meanings to apply to their writing. The grammar and punctuation skills are built upon each year and previous learning is revisited so teachers and children can fill any gaps and extend their understanding.

An understanding of language is pinnacle to Reading and Writing and at Repton Manor Primary School we want children to confidently grasp Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling skills but more importantly have an understanding of how these skills influence us as readers and writers and know the impact our word choices have on a reader.

Assessing GPS at Repton Manor Primary School:

Assessment of spelling happens weekly in the form of the spelling test and termly to give teachers the children’s spelling ages. Teachers use the spelling age data to adapt the spellings your child receives each term and will change their group accordingly. In addition, teachers assess the children’s GPS understanding each lesson and adapt planning if necessary. In Terms 2, 4 and 6, Years 2-6 will complete a GPS assessment which provides information on any additional gaps in the children’s knowledge. To ensure children are using their GPS in their writing, a framework is completed for your child’s writing each term which ensures they understand how to use their skills in a context and to show that they are progressing in their writing.

For more information about GPS at Repton Manor Primary School, please contact our GPS Leader, Jen Farmer.

Curriculum Group: Communication and Language

Our Vision:

A child took a stroll through the Repton Manor wood, the child saw a book and the book looked good.

The child read the book and met:

• An owl who developed the child’s voice and communication.
• A snake who inspired a joy of language and literature.
• A fox who taught the child to be bold, brave and free.