What are the words a Y6 (KS2) DC should be able to spell?

[erebus]

Where can I find the 'definitive' list? Even what sort of vocab gets a '4', what a '5'

Many thanks!

There used to be a very short list for Y4, maybe Y5, not sure I've ever seen one for Y6. AFAIK there is no definitive list for Y^

Spellings are only a tiny part of the English SAT's, but you may be able to download old tests to check them.

Thanks- what I really need is a list of I think it's 200 words that a Y6 ought to be able to spell.

DS2 isn't setting the world alight academically. I am assisting him where I can but, when he asks me to 'fire spellings' at him, I'd like to know at what level he should be 'ahem- 'performing', for lack of a better word!

There isn't a list for Y6
There is a list of 200 key words in KS1 but a Y6 child should be "performing" beyond those.

My DDs spelling isn't good, but she got a 5 - as bTM says, spellings is a tiny part of the SATs mark.

Comprehension and the ability to write in a somewhat organised way are more important.

I started building lists from reception, but to be honest, there are so many lists, its hard to know what words a teacher will ask.

the best suggestion is to learn patterns of sounds and know when to use them

I know, I know, but should a teacher expect a DC to know 'actually', misapprehension', diabolical', adventurous' ?! I have no idea! And the thing is, a 'list' would assist me to find out where the gaps are and help fill them!

In the SAT tests the words are random not from any of the lists

I'm not worried about SATS tests! Really! I am feeling that I would like the school to send home the spelling list that the 'top' group (of 2) are expected to master, rather than the 'no spellings' the 'bottom half' group (don't) get. Yes, I am addressing this but the fact is, the school are overlooking the resource that is The Committed Parent.

I am a lazy mum - or am I efficient?- who doesn't want to spend days on end finding out DS can easily spell the words I 'throw' at him, or puts him right off by bamboozling him with stuff that's far too hard!

I do find it surprising that their reading level can be calculated to the month according to precisely which words they can read, but there is no equivalent to what they can spell!

Here you go Key stage 2 spelling objectives explaining rules and patterns covered by KS2 (down load is on this page.) But as it says at the top of the page, this may be subject to change as the new government is presently reviewing the curriculum.

As others have stated there is not a definitive list for year 6 SATs- the tests pick out a variety of spelling from rules covered.

Bingo, brigit!

CIRCUMNAVIGATE??! argh!

Not that difficult!

root word- navigate
prefix circum.

Lots of the spelling at the top of KS 2 relies on a knowledge of how to build words from roots then attaching prefixes and suffixes.

Also rules governing things like word endings such as:

cross off the y add ies or ied

you could do an internet search for spelling tests, and you will get varied lists.

Our school does a spelling test which they get graded on, but then spelling is assessed separately in their written work and the results will be very different.

A child could get 20/20 on one list, and 0/20 on another yet still be a good speller.

U

www.spellanywhere.co.uk/spellings.php?view=1&id=50

Just had a look at the Spelling bank. Thanks for that.

Hi all,

Just wanted to make clear the difference between between the common words (usually the spelling test words sent home) and the spelling bank.

Technically we should teach children spelling rules (this is what the spelling bank aims to do) but the english language has so many 'tricky words' which don't conform these are but onto spelling lists which have to be learnt by wrote!

So by the time they reach KS2 the spelling lists are much shorter and the focus is on spelling rules. Such as prefix, suffix, roots, plurals etc.

As for the SAT spelling test. Who knows they are so so random!

Hi Mrz

That site looks interesting but it seems to be for schools only.

Had a quick look at some of the spelling lists for some schools.

Just investigating it further.

Someone recommended it I've never used

My dd got 5s and her spelling was and is atrocious.

She always got 100% in spelling tests too, but that's another story!

which is why spelling tests are inefficient in improving a child's spelling ability

I guess my gripe is that the upper half of the class are being asked to learn some spellings- presumably more tricky, non-rule conforming ones, whereas the bottom half come home empty handed!

Erebus - if you want your child to spell better (and it is your top priority) then you are going to have to put a lot of effort into teaching him how to spell - not into memorising random words.

Here are the 3 learn to spell programs I have done with my kids:

• Nessy - A computer program that covers the basics

• Stareway to Spelling - only concentrates on the 300 most frequently used words, which make up about 75% of what we write. It is spelling these common words wrong which makes people wince

• Apples & Pears - A complete learn to spell program which you would have to do nightly with your son. Very good, very thorough, very time consuming.