In our school curriculum, language, literacy and communication involves developing children’s ability to listen, speak, read and write with confidence and purpose across Welsh, English and, where offered, other languages. It is not just about learning the mechanics of language, but helping pupils to understand and use language to express their ideas, communicate with others and explore different kinds of texts and literature, which in turn supports learning in all Areas of Learning and Experience. In the Curriculum for Wales, this Area is designed so that learners build skills progressively and make connections between languages and ways of communicating, fostering their cultural understanding, sense of identity and ability to engage with diverse audiences. It also places emphasis on integrating literacy across the curriculum and developing communication skills in varied contexts — from conversation and storytelling to reading for enjoyment and writing for different purposes — helping pupils become effective communicators and lifelong learners.

Oracy

Oracy is integrated into our curriculum through a range of activities and opportunities. During lessons, pupils are able to use their speaking and listening skills regularly, during 'Show and Tell,'  role-play areas and news sharing sessions in our younger classes, as well as Pie Corbett storytelling lessons. As our pupils grow with us, they are provided with further opportunities in lessons, including drama-based tasks, performance poetry, and whole school performances. Our Year 5 and 6 pupils annually participate in 'UK Parliament Week' where they plan and carry out group debates. Further experiences include drama club, whole school shows, class assemblies, talent shows, school 'job' interviews, and local and school Eisteddfods.

Reading and Spelling

Across our school, we utilise 'Monster Phonics' as a reading scheme to learn phonics, beginning with our reception learners.  Progressing through school, 'Superhero Spelling' is used to teach spelling patterns and rules, providing a range of activities to support our learners to remember and learn in meaningful and memorable ways. Reading books are sent home and pupils are listened to in class as much as possible; whole class novels are shared in class, with activities planned to support pupils' understanding and to further encourage a passion and interest in reading. In some classes, guided reading sessions are carried out weekly to strengthen the pupils' understanding and knowledge of literature. 

To encourage and celebrate our pupils' love for reading, children were recently given the opportunity to apply for jobs, including library monitors in our brand-new library! The successful candidates work on a weekly rota and are extremely passionate and enthusiastic about their roles in organising the books in our library. 

Writing 

In order to ensure progression, genres of writing are planned and consistently covered across the school, providing pupils with the opportunities to explore, plan and create their own extended writing pieces. So far in this academic year, text types covered have included letter writing, poetry, diary writing, non-chronological reports and story-writing. Whilst these tasks are initially taught during literacy lessons, pupils are provided with additional challenges to utilise the skills they have learnt in other activities, such as MILE (My Independent Learning Experience) sessions, where they can transfer their taught skills and knowledge into independent tasks.

Younger pupils enjoy activities including ‘Squiggle while you Wiggle’ and ‘Dough Disco’ to help strengthen their fine motor skills that are required to begin their writing journey. As pupils grow and progress throughout our school, they engage in daily writing activities, including '10 Minute Write’, where children are given short writing tasks to participate in at the beginning of each day.