Spelling was introduced into the programme because it is a key skill aligned to reading. It is required for creative writing, for the acquisition of vocabulary, and to understand the distinct rules of spelling. This skill is so essential, and so evidently lacking, that spelling tests have been introduced from grades 3 to 7.
The learners write three term tests (terms 2, 3 and 4).The dates for the tests are communicated well in advance through letters to the school management team (SMT). Word-lists are sent to schools which the learners have to study. Initially, these are core words taken from high-frequency lists but in later tests, more challenging words are introduced which includes ‘unseen’ words (words not on the lists but appropriate to the grade/age being tested.)
Schools are not expected to make copies of the test. This is done at our main offi ce and delivered to the school.
While library assistants distribute the lists, assistance is required from teachers and the SMT to go through the list with the learners and to remind them to study and to help by testing them regularly.
Learners with scores of 50% and higher qualify to get list two spelling words. Similarly, learners scoring 50% or more move on to test three.
Learners in grades 4 to 7 (not grade 3) who score 100% in tests 1 and 2 and 3 get automatic entry to our interschool spelling bee finals. Should there be less than 14 one hundred percent achievers the top 14 learners qualify to participate. The finals consist of two written tests with words ranging from high usage words, curriculum- based words and age appropriate unseen words. Each participant automatically qualifies for a participation prize. The top four learners per grade also receive an extra prize.
