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Silent Letters in Words
Spelling & Word Study
Spell words containing silent letters that are remnants of earlier pronunciation or etymology, recognising common silent-letter patterns and using word origins to remember them
Similes & Metaphors
Vocabulary
Understand and identify similes (comparisons using like or as) and metaphors (direct comparisons stating something is something else) in texts, explaining how each creates imagery and conveys meaning
Spelling -able & -ible
Spelling & Word Study
Spell words ending in -able/-ible and the corresponding adverb forms -ably/-ibly, applying patterns to determine which suffix to use based on the root word
Spelling Word Lists (age 9+)
Spelling & Word Study
Spell words from the statutory word list for Years 5 and 6, including words with irregular or uncommon spelling patterns that must be learned individually
Structure of information texts
Reading Comprehension
Describe the overall structure of an informational text (chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) and explain how the author's chosen structure helps convey information and ideas
Suffixes (age 9+)
Spelling & Word Study
Spell words with Latin and French suffix patterns: endings sounding like /ʃəs/ spelt -cious or -tious (e.g., precious, cautious), /ʃəl/ spelt -cial or -tial (e.g., official, essential), and words ending in -ant/-ance/-ancy vs -ent/-ence/-ency (e.g., observant/observance, confident/confidence)
Text & Media Connections
Reading Comprehension
Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions from the text
Themes Across Cultures and Traditions
Reading Comprehension
Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes, topics, and story patterns (e.g., good vs evil, quest narratives, trickster tales) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures
Verb Prefixes and Meaning
Grammar & Punctuation
Use verb prefixes (dis-, de-, mis-, over-, re-) to change verb meaning, understanding how each prefix modifies the action expressed by the root verb
Writing for an audience
Writing Composition
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organisation are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience, maintaining a consistent style and structure throughout
Active and passive voice
Grammar & Punctuation
Use the passive voice to shift focus from the agent to the action or recipient, understanding how passive constructions affect the presentation of information in formal and objective writing
Adapting Speech to Context
Speaking & Listening
Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when appropriate to task and situation while adjusting tone, vocabulary, and style for different audiences
Building on Others in Discussions
Speaking & Listening
Pose and respond to specific questions in discussions, making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others
Bullet Point Punctuation
Grammar & Punctuation
Punctuate bullet points consistently to list information clearly, applying conventions for capitalisation, end punctuation, and parallel structure across items
Choosing Formal Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Distinguish between formal and informal vocabulary, selecting words appropriate for formal speech and writing such as 'discover' instead of 'find out' and 'request' instead of 'ask for'
Choosing Tenses for Precise Meaning
Grammar & Punctuation
Use verb tense to convey various times, sequences, states, and conditions, selecting tenses deliberately to express the precise timing and nature of actions and events
Colons and Semicolons in Lists
Grammar & Punctuation
Use a colon to introduce a list and semi-colons to separate items within lists, particularly when list items contain internal commas or are complex phrases
Commas After Introductory Elements
Grammar & Punctuation
Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence, including introductory words, phrases, and clauses
Commas with yes, no, and names
Grammar & Punctuation
Use commas to set off the words yes and no, to set off tag questions, and to indicate direct address in sentences
Comparing Books
Reading Comprehension
Make comparisons within and across books, identifying similarities and differences in themes, characters, settings, and authorial choices across multiple texts
Comparing Characters, Settings and Events
Reading Comprehension
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details about how characters interact, settings influence action, or events connect
Comparing Structure in Information Texts
Reading Comprehension
Compare and contrast the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more informational texts, identifying patterns such as chronology, comparison, cause/effect, or problem/solution
Conjunctions, Prepositions and Interjections
Grammar & Punctuation
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and in particular sentences, understanding how each word class contributes to meaning
Consistent verb tense
Grammar & Punctuation
Recognise and correct inappropriate shifts in verb tense within and across sentences and paragraphs, maintaining consistency unless a shift is required by meaning