Spelling tests use text-to-speech technology to convert words or phrases into audio files. After hearing the word, students are prompted to type their spelling attempt.

As well as general spelling reinforcement, spelling tests are perfect for foreign languages, scientific terms and other definitions.

To set a new spelling test, click 'Set task' at the top of the navigation panel. Then click 'Create' under the Spelling Test task type.

You can reuse a previous spelling test with the widget on the right, or create a new one from scratch by filling out the onscreen form.

All of the information you enter on this page will be visible to the students and parents who receive the spelling test.

Title: Appears on the students' calendar and to-do list.

Type: Switch to a different task type without losing the information you've already entered in the common fields.

Class groups: Select one or more class groups to receive this spelling test.

Students: By default, all students in the class are selected and will receive the spelling test. However, you can deselect individuals from the existing selection, or click the 'X' to clear the entire selection, and then select specific students.

Subject: Select a subject for the spelling test. This will help students locate it on their to-do list / calendar and it’s also important for reporting purposes.

💡 Top tip: If you select a class group first, the subject is automatically populated.

Description: Enter instructions for the students. You can format your text using the available options.

Issue date: Select the date your spelling test will become visible to the students. This allows you to schedule the work well in advance without worrying that students can see it ahead of time.

Due date: Select the deadline for completion.

Issue on lesson: Select a specific timetabled lesson for your spelling test to be issued on. Represented visually on the Timetable with a green 'Set' label.

Due on lesson: Select a specific timetabled lesson for your spelling test to be due on. Represented visually on the Timetable with a red 'Due' label.

Attachments: Upload related resources or worksheets from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive.

Web links: Add useful websites or video conferencing links for remote lessons. Paste the URL and press enter to save it.

Language: Spelling tests are supported in multiple languages. Select from British English, American English, French, German or Spanish.

Voice: Each language has a few different voices to choose from. Pick one that works best for the type of spelling test you are setting.

💡Top tip: Once you start adding words (see below), you can preview the voice samples by clicking on the speaker icon next to each word.

In this section, you build your spelling test. This can be done manually, through Sidekick, or by reusing a previously set spelling test.

If you're adding your spelling test words manually, here are the fields to complete:

Once you've finished creating your word, click 'Done' to add it to the spelling test. The word will be saved, and a blank form for adding the next word will open up.

Keep adding more words until your spelling test is ready. You can play aloud, edit or delete a previously saved word using the icons next to it.

When you have completed all the details required on the form, click 'Publish'. Your spelling test will be set live on the issue date.

💡Top tip: Started but don't have time to finish your spelling test? Click 'Save as draft' to come back to it later. You can find it again in Homework > Resources > More filters > Select state > Drafts.

On most other task types, you'll use the Assess tab to enter a submission status, grade or comment. However, spelling tests are self-marking. This means you don't need to apply a submission status or grade - this happens automatically when students complete the spelling test.

The primary use of the Assess tab for spelling tests is to evaluate each student's performance in more detail.

In the middle of the screen, you'll see a graphic showing the number of students who completed the spelling test and the class average score.

Next to each student's submission status, you'll see their spelling test score. To drill down further into a student's results, click the tickbox next to their name. You'll see how their score compares to the class average and their ranking within the class.

Click on the Results box to see a full breakdown of which words this student spelled correctly / incorrectly and how many attempts they had for each word.

To see their attempted spelling, hover over the ✔️ or ❌ and click on it:

You can also leave a comment for this student if you wish.

When you have completed all the details required on the form, click 'Publish'. Your spelling test will be set live on the issue date.

💡Top tip: Started but don't have time to finish your spelling test? Click 'Save as draft' to come back to it later. You can find it again in Homework → Resources → More filters → Select state → Drafts.