Advanced Spelling Conventions
Spell words using assorted Y5-6 conventions: doubling after -fer when the stress remains (referring but reference), using hyphens to join prefixes to root words (co-ordinate, re-enter), the /iː/ sound spelt ei after c (receive, ceiling), and the letter string ough representing different sounds (though, through, thought, thorough, plough)
Suggested ages 9–10
Learning journey
Your child is tackling challenging spelling patterns — distinguishing between confusing word pairs, understanding Latin and French word endings, and mastering silent letters and complex suffixes.
Evidence of understanding
- Apply the -fer doubling rule: double the r when the syllable is stressed (referring, preferred, transferred) but not when stress shifts (reference, preference)
- Use hyphens correctly when a prefix ends with the same letter the root begins with (re-enter, co-own) or to avoid ambiguity (re-cover vs recover)
- Read and spell words containing ough by recognising its multiple pronunciations: /oʊ/ (though), /uː/ (through), /ɔː/ (thought), /ʌf/ (rough), /aʊ/ (plough)
Assessment prompt
Can Advanced Spelling Conventions correctly spell tricky words like "receive," "though," or "co-ordinate," including knowing when to use a hyphen or the "-ei" pattern after "c"?
Standards alignment
Use hyphens
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Adding suffixes beginning with vowel letters to words ending in –fer
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Use of the hyphen
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Words with the /i:/ sound spelt ei after c
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Words containing the letter-string ough
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2