New Key Stage 3 Spelling Lists

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Here at Spellzone we’ve had a rather busy summer. As well as producing a new Starter Course which takes students through the early stages of phonic spelling, we have put together a collection of new word lists targeted at Key Stage 3 pupils.

Within the collection there is a general secondary spelling list, a list of common homophones, and a variety of subject-specific spelling lists. None of the lists are intended for blanket teaching, but instead as tools to help identify weak spots and from which to develop personalised word lists. View our lists here.

Click here for our guide on how to make the most out of the Spellzone word list feature.

General Secondary Spelling List

Our general spelling list is split into seven sections with up to twenty words per section. The list was compiled using the advice of a number of secondary schools all of whom identified the included words as ones students struggled to spell. As many Key Stage 3 pupils will already know how to spell most of these words, we recommend that this word list is used as early as Year 7 to identify problem words. Students will then be able to curate personal lists to help learn the spellings they are uncertain about.

Here are individual links to each section of our general spelling list:

Common Homophones

Homophones are always tricky and this list is perfect for helping students learn to use them confidently and correctly.

Here are the links to both parts of our homophones list:

Subject Spelling Lists

As with our general spelling list, we were advised on our subject spelling lists by a number of secondary school departments. The lists cover Art, Design and Technology, English, Geography, History, ICT, Library, Mathematics, Music, PE, PSHE, RE, and Science. The words included were identified by teachers as words that were often needed within a particular subject and also often incorrectly spelt. Again, many Key Stage 3 pupils will already know how to spell some of these words, and not all words will be relevant, so we recommend schools use these lists as a basis from which to make local lists suitable to their own topics and needs.

Here are the links to our subject-specific lists:

Spellzone word lists can be translated into 90 languages and give structured access to thousands of learning activities, games and printable worksheets.

Have a good week!


28 Sep 2015
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"I have just subscribed and look forward to continuing to use Spellzone. I have been really impressed with the program during the trial period and the students gave very positive feedback. Many thanks."

Teacher, International School, Geneva