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 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.

We believe spoken language to be fundamental to the achievement of the children at Harston and Newton Community Primary School. We strive to develop spoken language skills through the taught curriculum, the broader curriculum, extra-curricular activities and the whole ethos of the school. Respectful and productive relationships between all who form part of the school community are crucial aspects of this ethos. As a staff, we therefore foster good communication amongst ourselves and with our pupils, their parents and carers and with the wider community. We place a high priority on supporting the development of good speaking and listening skills amongst our pupils.

We aim for our children to:

• be encouraged to speak with confidence, clarity and fluency;
• recognise the value of listening;
• be encouraged to have the self-esteem to be confident in the value of their own opinions and to be able to express them to others;
• be able to adapt the use of language for a range of different purposes and audiences, including using Standard English;
• learn to converse, sustain a logical argument and respond to others appropriately;
• be encouraged to concentrate, interpret and respond appropriately to a wide range of listening experiences;
• be prepared to be open-minded, to value the contribution of others and to take account of their views;
• appreciate the diversity of languages, dialects and accents in the school and value the experience and contributions of children with a wide variety of linguistic backgrounds;
• develop empathy through drama.