Teaching for Success 1
Effective Approaches to Teaching the Three Pillars: Phonics, Vocabulary and Grammar

In this module we will revisit the three foundational pillars of language learning: Phonics, Vocabulary and Grammar. We will explore how to build systematic progress and challenge into your teaching of phonics, vocabulary and grammar over KS3 and KS4.

Building on ‘best bets’ we will consider the implications of cognitive load theory to your lesson planning, task design and use of resources.

We will review how to use low stakes testing, retrieval practice, and pushed output to deepen pupils’ knowledge of the language and move foundational knowledge from short to long-term memory.

We will evaluate the use and systematic removal of scaffolding and the gradual shift from highly structured to independent use of the language to increase pupils’ creativity and mastery of the language system.

“There won’t be lessons … where any of those three [phonics, vocabulary and grammar] will be taught in isolation.”

Sir Ian Bauckham, 2023