How We Develop Communication and Language

At Gravel Hill, developing strong communication and language skills is central to our curriculum. Through targeted programmes, meaningful experiences, and opportunities to perform, present and collaborate, pupils build confidence, vocabulary, and the ability to express themselves clearly and effectively.

To develop early communication, confidence and language understanding, Nursery children take part in:

• Talk Boost – small‑group intervention supporting speech, language and communication
• NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) – targeted language enrichment
• Nursery Rhyme Week – performing familiar rhymes to an audience
• Topic: People Who Help Us – visits from the Police, Fire Service and Ambulance to promote speaking, listening and questioning skills
• Christmas Productions – early performance experience
• Nursery Graduation – celebration of achievements and confidence‑building

To deepen vocabulary and expressive language, Reception children experience:

• BLAST – structured language sessions designed to improve attention, listening and speaking
• Nursery Rhyme Week – continuing rhyme, rhythm and performance
• Topic: People Who Help Us – visits from emergency services to encourage real‑world communication
• Christmas Productions – developing confidence in speaking to an audience

Across Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2, pupils further strengthen communication through:

• Talk for Writing – immersion in high‑quality texts to develop spoken language, storytelling and structured communication
• Inspirational People Assemblies – opportunities to present, share learning and speak in front of others
• Christmas Productions – annual opportunities to perform and communicate creatively

In Year 6, communication and presentation skills are further developed through:

• Enterprise Week – real‑world communication including pitching, teamwork and presentation
• Inspirational People Assemblies – opportunities to present to wider audiences
• Christmas Productions – continued performance experience
• Y6 Production – a major end‑of‑year performance that builds confidence, expressive language and stage presence