Speaking and Listening

Our spoken language curriculum follows the National Curriculum expectations. Speaking and listening skills are taught throughout all subjects and year groups, supporting pupils to communicate confidently, listen actively, and participate in discussions, presentations, drama and role‑play. We also promote oracy through regular whole‑school assemblies, giving pupils opportunities to practise speaking, listening and presenting in a wider community setting.

EYFS
• Develop attention and listening skills
• Build vocabulary through play and stories
• Speak in full sentences
• Take turns in conversation

Year 1
• Use clear sentences to express ideas
• Listen to others and respond appropriately
• Retell stories and events
• Take part in simple role‑play

Year 2
• Ask and answer questions
• Use more adventurous vocabulary
• Participate in group discussions
• Perform rehearsed pieces (poems, stories)

Year 3
• Speak clearly in front of an audience
• Use standard English when appropriate
• Take part in debates and discussions
• Show active listening and respond to viewpoints

Year 4
• Organise ideas before speaking
• Use tone, volume and expression effectively
• Ask relevant questions to deepen understanding
• Present information to a group

Year 5
• Use formal and informal language appropriately
• Build arguments and justify opinions
• Take part in structured debates
• Perform poetry or drama with expression

Year 6
• Use spoken language confidently in a range of contexts
• Present ideas logically and clearly
• Critically evaluate others’ viewpoints
• Use discussion to build, challenge and refine ideas