SPAG

“Grammar is the greatest joy in life.” 

Lemony Snicket

At St Pius X, we recognise that a secure understanding of grammar, punctuation and spelling is the essential foundation for confident and effective writing. We do not view these elements as isolated rules, but as the vital tools that allow our pupils to write with technical accuracy, control and purpose across the entire curriculum.

Intent: Our Vision for SPAG

Our curriculum is designed to move pupils from basic technical accuracy to sophisticated linguistic control. Our intent is for all pupils to:

  • Secure Foundational Knowledge: Build a robust understanding of the mechanics of the English language.
  • Understand Language Function: Enable pupils to see how grammar and punctuation choices affect the reader, allowing them to write with purpose.
  • Apply Knowledge Creatively: Ensure pupils can independently apply technical skills across a vast range of genres and text types.
  • Progressive Mastery: Build cumulatively on prior knowledge through a carefully sequenced, spiral approach.

Implementation: How We Teach

We follow the CUSP (Curriculum with Unity Schools Partnership) framework to ensure that our teaching of grammar, punctuation and spelling is explicit, cumulative and coherent.

Grammar and Punctuation: The CUSP Approach

Concepts are introduced through carefully sequenced lessons that prioritise mastery. To bridge the gap between “knowing” a rule and “using” it, we utilise Alan Peat Sentence Types. This allows pupils to:

  • Experiment with specific grammatical structures.
  • Craft varied and engaging sentences.
  • See grammar as a creative tool for expression rather than a list of restrictions.

The Teaching of Spelling: Spelling Shed

Spelling is central to our literacy offer. We use the Spelling Shed scheme to provide a structured programme from Year 1 to Year 6:

  • Patterns and Rules: Weekly lessons focus on phonology, morphology (word structure) and etymology (word origins).
  • Application: Pupils practice spelling in discrete sessions and immediately apply them within wider writing tasks.
  • Retrieval: Regular practice ensures that spelling patterns are moved from short-term memory into long-term automaticity.

Securing Foundational Skills

We believe that pupils cannot write fluently or expressively without a secure command of the fundamentals. To secure these foundations, we ensure:

Focus Area Strategy & Approach
Integrated Curriculum SPAG is woven throughout our writing units, ensuring learning is always contextualised.
Explicit Modelling Teachers use “think-alouds” to model the deliberate choice of punctuation and grammar.
Scaffolded Practice We provide the support necessary for pupils to transition from guided exercises to independent writing.
Addressing Misconceptions Feedback is swift and precise, preventing errors from becoming embedded habits.

Impact: Our Outcomes

Through our ambitious and structured approach, pupils at St Pius X become proficient, reflective and creative writers.

  • Articulate Communicators: Pupils graduate with the foundational skills required to communicate clearly and effectively in a literate world.
  • Linguistic Manipulation: Our pupils understand how to manipulate language for effect, using grammar and punctuation to enhance their unique voice.
  • Accuracy and Pride: With a firm grasp of spelling and technical mechanics, our pupils take genuine pride in the quality and clarity of their written communication.

By mastering the “greatest joy” of grammar, our pupils leave St Pius X equipped to express themselves with precision and confidence in any context.