We believe that strong speaking skills are the foundation of literacy and learning. The ability to express ideas clearly and listen actively supports children’s confidence, comprehension, and communication across all subjects.

Throughout the curriculum, we provide opportunities for children to explore ideas through talk, practising how to use language effectively and make themselves understood. Speaking and listening are not only embedded in everyday classroom discussions but are also explicitly taught to ensure all children develop these essential skills.

To support this, we:

• Teach speaking and listening skills explicitly, helping children develop confidence in expressing themselves.
• Provide structured support, including sentence stems and key vocabulary, to encourage children to speak in full sentences and articulate their thoughts clearly.
• Encourage discussion and collaboration, fostering active listening and respectful dialogue.

By prioritising speaking and listening, we equip children with the skills they need to engage thoughtfully in discussions, express their ideas confidently, and succeed in all areas of their learning.