FOR lots of people spelling has become automatic. We can write quickly and fluently and enjoy expressing ourselves with words.

However, for those with spelling difficulties writing can be a painful, messy, frustrating process; creativity is stifled by constantly having to think about how to form individual words.

It’s not just about failing in spelling tests; it’s about feeling frustrated, having wonderful ideas and not being able to express them.

Yet spelling can be taught and learnt and at the same time a glorious world of exciting vocabulary and etymology can be opened up.

Students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton who previously felt that there was an insurmountable wall blocking their success and enjoyment of the English language, benefited from a 10-week spelling intervention and the results were outstanding.

Amanda Middlemost, QE Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, said: “Recently, we were given a free trial of ‘Nessy’, an interactive, multi-media computer learning programme, widely used in UK Schools, that enables dyslexic students to read, write and spell with confidence.

“Our literacy coaches were delighted with it. Not only does it reinforce their coaching but our students enjoyed it so much that they were logging into Nessy at home and thus, possibly for the first time, learning their spellings thoroughly whilst also enjoying the experience.”

Unfortunately, the cost of the licenses required to use Nessy was going to be very expensive. Happily, assistance was forthcoming from the Crediton Freemasons Lodge.

The Freemason Lodge in Crediton was built in 1870, and in the intervening 146 years, many local organisations and charities have been supported by the Masons.

David Morey, member of the Crediton Freemasons and School Governor at Queen Elizabeth’s said: “When the members of the Crediton Freemason’s Lodge heard about the Nessy programme and the help it could provide a variety of children in the Crediton and surrounding area, they felt it was just the sort of project they would like to support.”

Queen Elizabeth’s School was very pleased to welcome the Crediton Freemasons Worshipful Master Richard Tapp and Charity Fundraising Officer Peter Coleman along with David Morey to the Barnfield Campus to see for themselves the successful Nessy Learning Programme and meet some of the Literacy Learning Coaches and some of the students who will benefit from using the programme.

Alan Quick