Spoken Language

At St Oswald’s we aim for all our pupils to :

• listen actively and respond appropriately to adults and 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 in 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 in Standard English
• participate confidently in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates
• gain, maintain and monitor the interest of the listener
• consider and evaluate different viewpoints building on the contributions of others
• select and use appropriate registers for effective communication.

Spoken language skills are taught at a level appropriate to the age of the pupil. The oral language skills that have been taught in preceding years is built upon with opportunities to revisit, practise and repeat learning which is key to deep understanding and having a mastery of skills. Teachers look for links across subjects to help deliver the writing curriculum effectively in a way that will engage the children and stimulate interest. 

Pupils are taught to develop their competence in spoken language and listening to enhance the effectiveness with which they are able to communicate across a range of contexts and to a range of audiences.

At St Oswald’s we provide pupils with opportunities to work in groups of different sizes, inside and outside the classroom environment.

Opportunities for children to develop their competence in spoken language:

• Class discussions and debates
• Circle time, collective worship and PSHE lessons
• Class and whole school assemblies
• Christmas productions for families
• End of year productions
• Visitors to school
• Special assemblies and masses
• Producing digital content for our school YouTube channel and VLE (Seesaw)

We place a particular emphasis on:

– increasing pupils’ vocabulary when describing their immediate world and feelings

– developing a broader and richer vocabulary to discuss abstract concepts across a wide range of topics

Constructive formative feedback is provided to pupils regarding their spoken language and listening skills, not only to improve their knowledge and skills but also to establish secure foundations for effective spoken language at primary school right through to secondary education and beyond.

Pupils at St Oswald’s have a wide vocabulary and are confident speakers. They enjoy talking amongst peers and to adults in school and demonstrate excellent listening skills.

Galleries

National Poetry Day in Year 3

Similarities and Differences in Year 1

Year 6 residential to Tower Wood 2022

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