Changing vocabulary between primary and secondary school

Making the move from primary to ​‘big’ school is a significant and potentially overwhelming transition in the life of any child. Pupils may fret about getting the bus, the toilets, getting lost, learning people’s names, whether anyone would talk to them, forgetting something, where to eat lunch… the toilets (again).

It is unlikely that getting to grips with vocabulary is on a pupil’s worry list – but the newness of language in secondary school can be hugely challenging for every pupil.

The importance of vocabulary, along with schools having a coherent approach to its instruction is referenced in all of the EEF Literacy Guidance reports.