At All Saints, we recognise that speaking and listening are fundamental skills that underpin all areas of learning and are essential for future success. We believe that confident communication enables children to express their ideas clearly, articulate their thoughts and engage meaningfully with others. Through high-quality opportunities to speak and listen, pupils develop their vocabulary, deepen their understanding and learn to reason, justify and explain their thinking. 

We value speaking and listening as a key driver of both academic progress and personal development. It supports reading and writing by strengthening language acquisition and comprehension, while also building confidence, resilience and self-esteem. By encouraging discussion, debate and collaboration, we provide pupils with the skills to become respectful and effective communicators who can listen carefully, respond thoughtfully and engage positively with others. 

How We Teach Speaking and Listening 
Speaking and listening are woven throughout our curriculum and form a core part of everyday teaching and learning. We provide planned and purposeful opportunities for pupils to talk, discuss and present across all subjects, ensuring progression in oracy skills from EYFS through to Key Stage 2. 

In EYFS, approaches such as Drawing Club support children in orally rehearsing ideas, developing storytelling skills and building confidence in expressing themselves. In Key Stage 1 and beyond, pupils engage in structured discussions, partner talk and group work, enabling them to share ideas and learn from others. Throughout the day, pupils are given regular opportunities to share their thinking with talk partners, allowing them to rehearse ideas, build confidence and refine their responses before sharing more widely. 

Across the school, we place a strong emphasis on developing vocabulary, with explicit teaching and opportunities for pupils to use new language in different contexts. Sentence stems are used to support pupils in structuring their spoken responses, enabling them to speak clearly and with purpose. Teachers model high-quality spoken language and use questioning, including asking “why,” to deepen thinking, encouraging pupils to expand, justify and refine their ideas. 

We place high importance on children speaking politely and with confidence, teaching them to communicate respectfully in different situations and for different audiences. Pupils are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully to others and respond appropriately. Opportunities are provided for children to interact with adults and visitors across the wider school community, helping them to develop confidence in speaking beyond the classroom and to understand the importance of clear, respectful communication in real-life contexts. 

Pupils are regularly given opportunities to articulate their thinking through questioning, debate and explanation, particularly within reading lessons where discussion enhances comprehension and supports deeper understanding. Opportunities for performance, such as presentations, drama and reading aloud, help pupils develop fluency, expression and confidence when speaking to an audience. 

We foster a classroom culture where all contributions are valued, and pupils are taught how to listen actively, respond respectfully and build on the ideas of others. Through consistent practice and high expectations, we ensure that all children develop the skills to communicate effectively, preparing them for both their education and life beyond school.