Our Intent

We want to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and be able to use discussion to communicate and further their learning. We are very aware that some of our pupils’ early language acquisition is limited and this is why we believe that providing a language rich environment, with a strong focus on oracy, is essential to the success across the curriculum.

Speaking and listening in Reception Class.

Our Reception Class has a large, interactive outdoor area which is resourced to stimulate children's imagination and develop their speaking and listening skills.  Likewise, the indoor classroom provides stimulating continuous provision which runs alongside the current topic and aims to develop and broaden the children's vocabulary.

Spoken Language – Years 1 to 6

The following statements apply to all years. The content is taught at a level appropriate to the age of the pupils. Pupils build on the oral language skills that have been taught in preceding years.

Spoken language

Pupils should be taught to:

• listen and respond appropriately to adults and their peers
• ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
• use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary
• articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
• give well-structured descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes, including for expressing feelings
• maintain attention and participate actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments
• use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining and exploring ideas
• speak audibly and fluently with an increasing command of Standard English
• participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play/improvisations and debates
• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener(s)
• consider and evaluate different viewpoints, attending to and building on the contributions of others
• select and use appropriate registers for effective communication

We use drama activities across all aspects of the curriculum to enhance the opportunities for speaking and listening and to develop children's vocabulary.  Here are some of the techniques we use.