Intent
At Mercenfeld Primary our intention is for the children to be able to express their opinions, articulate feelings and listen and respond appropriately in a range of situations. We give opportunities for the children to participate with different groups of children to present ideas with confidence, valuing the views of others. We encourage and work towards, every child being able to communicate audibly and confidently before an audience, for example during assemblies or school productions.
Implementation
Approaches to teaching and learning encourage pupils to voice their ideas within a small group and class discussions, as we recognised that sharing and explaining concepts with peers enhances learning. Staff model the use of higher-level vocabulary within their speech and expanding children’s’ vocabulary is a key focus from EYFS to Year 6. Our Talk for Writing approach gives children the opportunity to practise choral speaking whilst expanding their vocabulary. Subject specific vocabulary is embedded across the curriculum, through teacher modelling. Contextual learning helps children to understand new words and supports them to include them in their work. Understanding of the impact that their piece has on the reader and by using a higher level of vocabulary and grammar features.
Guided and whole class reading sessions encourage pupils to explore unfamiliar vocabulary and expand their knowledge of words. Staff model correct grammar in speech and encourage children to reflect this in their spoken and written language. Children are given the chance to orally rehearse ideas for writing regularly.
A nurture group is ran within school and children have the opportunity to develop these skills in a small group with adult support.
Drama is used across the curriculum to explore and engage the children in their learning. This gives children the chance to embed vocabulary in shared activities.
Children in EYFS perform a nativity play each Christmas; Years 1 and 2 also perform a Christmas production. Year 6 put on a leavers’ production in the summer term.
Impact
In a safe and encouraging environment, children develop into confident communicators who illuminate the goodness in each other by listening and speaking with kindness, empathy and clarity. Children recognise that speaking and listening can lie at the heart of conveying character, and that through speaking and listening effectively, misunderstandings can be addressed and relationships enhanced.
