The school began using the app with its pupils in November 2020 and teachers have seen first-hand how effective the innovative, fun approach to spelling can be in helping pupils to master not only their spelling, but the rules and patterns of words, correct punctuation and grammar and even etymology (the origin of words). TVs Susie Dent,resident lexicographer on Channel 4’s ‘Countdown’ even features in the app as avatar ‘Susie Lexicographer’. In times gone by, spelling was traditionally taught with students learning difficult words by rote. Sir Linkalot shows teachers and pupils a completely new approach using songs, rhymes and funny (sometimes cheeky!) games that help them to remember even the most difficult of words with ease. How many adults can spell ‘Onomatopoeia’ or ‘Manoeuvre’ correctly? We have five-year-old pupils who can do that thanks to Sir Linkalot’s unique learning approach!

Mrs Claire Gibson, Assistant Headteacher and Head of English at St. George’s, is responsible for bringing the Sir Linkalot App into the school. Through discussions with real-life Sir Linkalot, app creator Andy Salmon, Claire has also facilitated his first in-person visit to Jersey. Andy will be at the school all day, in character, delivering fantastic spelling booster sessions to pupils aged four to 11 as part of his crusade to make ‘I can’t spell’ a thing of the past. St. George’sis the first school on-island to use the app, but they are so impressed by its capability and efficacy that they have invited representatives from primary schools across the island to attend a session with Sir Linkalot to learn more about the scheme and the benefits of incorporating it into spelling sessions.

Claire has this to say about the visit and the app itself:

‘Here at St. George’s, we are always looking for innovative ways to enhance our pupils’ love of learning, balancing the traditional with the future-focused. When I became aware of the app and saw from the reviews of how effective this new approach could be, I knew immediately that we should bring it into the school to complement our English lessons. Our pupils have really taken to the app, and most importantly see spelling as exciting and fun. A mastery of language is essential to enable our pupils to communicate effectively throughout life and achieve their very best. As part of our holistic approach to learning, Sir Linkalot provides a truly innovative spelling boost.’

App creator and Sir Linkalot himself, Andy Salmon, has this to say:

‘I created this app to make ‘I can’t spell’ a thing of the past by revolutionising the approach to how we learn to spell. Based around the idea of ‘linking’ – a fun and easy way to memorise words- it’s an invaluable way to develop a mastery of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Best of all, it’s REALLY FUN and children of all ages enjoy every session! My unique approach is proven to help students of all ages to not only improve their spelling but truly grow in confidence with words and language, skills they will use and benefit from for life.’