Year 1 Yearly Spelling Overview and Rationale
This Year 1 spelling overview and rationale outlines the full sequence of spelling lists across the academic year and explains how the Spectacular SPaG spelling scheme supports effective spelling progression in Year 1. Each half term includes five weeks of new spellings followed by a consolidation week to reinforce learning and assess understanding.
Spellings are based on the DfE Year 1 spelling appendix and include common exception words, phonics-linked spellings and early plural patterns. The overview shows clear weekly focuses such as ff, ll, ss, zz, ck, nk endings, compound words and prefix un-.
The rationale provides guidance for introducing weekly spellings, practising through ‘Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check’ activities and using weekly dictation tasks. It also includes recommendations for consolidation, assessment and supporting pupils who may need additional practice or adapted approaches.
Designed to complement the Spectacular SPaG scheme, these materials can also be used independently to structure a full year of spelling teaching in Year 1.
