We consider it essential that our pupils learn to understand and use sophisticated spoken language, employing complex grammatical structures and a wide and appropriate vocabulary. Our children’s language knowledge informs their ability to communicate with others, to read and write and to think. A key gap between economically advantaged and disadvantaged children in our society is the extent and sophistication of their language. We intend to close this gap, enabling all our pupils to use and understand a wide range of vocabulary in precise ways. 

 

Oracy and vocabulary development are woven throughout every subject in our curriculum. Alongside our Topic and Progression Maps, we use key, technical vocabulary lists. Many lessons will include a specific word learning stage. We have developed a whole school approach to this. We expect all pupils to master the key vocabulary in each subject, at each stage of learning, as they progress through our curriculum. 

 

As well as teaching vocabulary and grammar, we provide opportunity to apply language, through discussion in lessons across the curriculum. This helps pupils make links between key concepts and words across different subjects. A key approach we use is ‘dialogic teaching’ through which teachers skillfully question pupils and generate probing discussion in class. This includes fortnightly, structured Philosophy for Children discussions: