Start of Year Spelling Assessment Guidance

The Start of Year (SOY) Spelling Assessment for Year 3 is a comprehensive guide provided by KS2Gems to evaluate students' spelling abilities at the beginning of the academic year. The assessment pack includes guidance notes, three distinct versions of pupil tests (A, B, and C), and an analysis grid to pinpoint areas where students may need improvement. It is advised that the spelling test be administered within the initial weeks of the Autumn term, prior to commencing the Year 3 Spelling Programme. This allows for an assessment of the students' grasp of Key Stage 1 spelling concepts and identification of areas that may require reinforcement.

Administering the spelling test involves clear instructions to ensure students understand the process and expectations. The test duration is approximately 15 minutes, during which students are to work independently and are permitted to correct their answers if necessary. The test comprises 20 words, each presented within a sentence to provide context. Teachers are instructed to read out the words, allowing a brief pause between each, and to avoid emphasising the spelling of the words to maintain fairness. Marking criteria are straightforward: one mark is awarded for each correct spelling, with specific guidelines on how to handle various scenarios such as crossed-out answers, use of punctuation, and letter formation.