Topics List
This shows the list of topics currently available in your Study Central portal.
Maths
Stage 1 (approx. age 6 to 8)
1A Counting forwards to 150 and backwards from 137; understand numbers as sequences; understand numbers as quantities; introduction of numbers broken into hundreds, tens and ones.
1B Numbers: count forwards to 150; numbers as quantities of tens and ones; introduction to place value using hundreds, tens and ones; count backwards from 137; find next number and previous number from 0 and non-0 starting points.
1C Number sequencing forwards in 2s, 5s, 10s and 100s and backwards in 1s and 10s; introduction to pattern counting in 100s to over 1000.
1D Odd and Even Numbers: identify and classify odd and even numbers using pairing and digit patterns; recognise, complete and generate odd and even number sequences and patterns; compare and order odd and even numbers within given ranges; apply knowledge of odd and even numbers to solve reasoning and number problems.
1E Reading and writing numbers as both words and in digits; explanation of digits and numbers; breaking numbers into hundreds, tens and ones and, later, thousands; sequencing forwards and backwards in 1s from 981 to 1050.
1F Practicing number bonds to 10 and 100; break numbers (partitioning) into tens and ones, then hundreds, tens and ones using both sums, logic and visual representations.
1G Number order and sequencing: reading, writing and ordering numbers up to 100; extend number patterns and logic to sequencing numbers 101 to 1000; identify smallest and largest numbers; compare numbers using < > and =
1H Rounding and Estimation: understand the difference between accurate counting and estimation; make sensible estimates for quantities, real-life situations and positions on number lines; recognise reasonable and unreasonable estimates; use rounding and estimation to check the reasonableness of answers.
1I Fractions: as part of a whole (using shapes); accurate drawing and shading; fractions ¼ ½ ¾ as they relate to clocks; develop understanding of division as grouping by organising objects into equal groups; linking fractions of numbers (¼ & ½) to division; locate fractions on number lines, between whole numbers.
1J Introducing number bonds to 10, in pairs and trios; introducing doubling up to 20; doubling larger numbers by breaking into tens and ones; introducing halving as the reverse of doubling.
1K Understanding addition and subtraction and their relationship; addition techniques using logic and sum pairs; using number facts and relationships; combining addition and subtraction.
1L Missing numbers in sums up to 20; introduction to algebra as missing values; techniques to avoid finger counting; using magic squares to find addition trios.
1O Multiplication as repeated addition and division as its reverse; practising 2, 5 and 10 times tables; introducing different factors for the same number.
1R Money: identifying coins; combining coin amounts (up to £2.20) and associated skills adding in 10s; reasoning involving coins; matching written money amounts to decimal money values; understanding concept of change; calculating change from £1; introduction to shopping calculations.
1T Time: showing hours and minutes on a clock face; o’clock, half past, quarter past, quarter to; passage of time forwards in hours and half hours; basic word problems using time.
1U Measurements: sensible measures and suitable units; using rulers (mm and cm); length; weight; using scales (reading and recording) using g and kg; reading measures of volume (ml and l).
1V Time and calendar: common facts (months, weeks, days, hours, minutes); structure of the calendar year; basics of analogue clocks; using counting in 5s to show minutes on analogue clocks; o’clock, half past, quarter past, quarter to; drawing analogue clocks (in 5-minute intervals); Roman numerals; daily schedules.
1W Recognise and sort shapes; introducing polygons and common polygon names; intersecting, parallel and perpendicular lines; basics of grid coordinates; area of shapes by counting.
1X Symmetry: identify lines of symmetry, including horizontal, vertical and diagonal mirror lines; recognise symmetrical and non-symmetrical shapes, patterns and letters; reflect shapes, patterns and pictures accurately across mirror lines on grids; complete symmetrical figures using reflection; identify shapes and letters with more than one line of symmetry; create symmetrical patterns and drawings using lines of symmetry.
1Z Data handling: understanding, interpreting, using, applying reasoning to, and representing data within: tables, tally charts, pictograms, block diagrams, bar charts and Venn diagrams; understanding use and purpose of data representation; planning and conducting a survey.
Stage 2 (approx. age 8 to 10)
2A Identifying and sorting number families; counting forwards and backwards in 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 10s and 100s; sequences, including using negative numbers, and their rules.
2C Multiplying and dividing integers by 10 and 100; place values including decimals; using place value to multiply and divide decimals by 10 and 100; rounding to nearest 10, integer, tenth and hundredth; applying skills to reasoning problems.
2D Ordering numbers, including thousands and decimals (1d.p.) in order of magnitude; creating numbers from digits; comparing numbers (including negative) using <,> and =; negative numbers on a number line; addition and subtraction of negative numbers as movement up/down the number line.
2E Rounding and estimation: to nearest 10 and 100; apply rounding to problems using money, lengths, volumes, weights; find rounding boundaries and identifying number ranges for rounding; apply rounding to complex sums and reasoning problems; round to nearest thousand, ten-thousand, hundred-thousand, and million.
2G Fractions as shaded parts of a whole; using fractions to create wholes or other fractions; comparing fractions using logic or equivalence; using multiples to find common denominators; using common denominators to compare, add and subtract fractions (without whole numbers).
2H Fractions: equivalence by area; equivalence by common denominator; improper fractions to make a whole; simplifying improper fractions to mixed numbers using division; converting whole number and mixed numbers into improper fractions; finding both simple and complex fractions of whole numbers, with and without a calculator.
2I Decimals and fractions: place value (including thousandths); place value/fraction conversion; common decimal/fraction pairs; representing decimals on a number line; ordering decimals by size; increasing decimals by place value; adding and subtracting simple decimals (up to 3d.p.); single and multi-step reasoning questions using decimals.
2K Addition and subtraction: calculations; using fact families to understand related facts and inverse relationships; using inverse functions to calculate complex sums; application of addition and subtraction within BIDMAS; applying different methods to reasoning problems; using reasoning framework and structured reasoning.
2L Adding techniques to avoid finger counting; using knowledge of digits and numbers to support column addition; column addition with and without regrouping/carrying; using place value and method patterns with multi-digit and multi-line column addition; using column addition with money and reasoning problems with money.
2O Short multiplication using both column method and mental arithmetic; tables practise up to 12x; division as the reverse of multiplication; mixed multiplication and division.
2P Division with remainders: recall division facts using multiplication tables; calculate divisions with remainders and record answers correctly; use the short division (bus stop) method to divide larger numbers; apply division skills to solve calculations and reasoning problems; recognise and identify prime numbers as numbers with exactly two factors.
2R Reading analogue clocks and writing time in numbers, with hours, half past, quarter past, quarter to and 5-minute intervals; understanding movement of hour hand based on minutes; calendar months in order and their respective lengths; reasoning questions with time; reading and using timetables.
2S Naming and identifying units of length, weight/mass and volume/capacity; converting common units of length, weight and volume by multiplying or dividing by 10, 100 or 1000; reasoning problems using length, weight and volume.
2T Perimeter and area: area of rectangles, triangles and L-shapes by counting and calculation (integers); perimeter of rectangles and L-shapes; area of irregular shape by counting (no diagonals); area of triangles by formula; area of compound shapes (rectangles and triangles); area using embedded shapes.
2W Geometry: transformations, position and direction: identify and draw lines of symmetry, including diagonal symmetry, and recognise symmetrical and non-symmetrical shapes; reflect and translate shapes, patterns and pictures using mirror lines and directional instructions; identify and use coordinate vocabulary; read, plot and write coordinates, including negative coordinates; use coordinates to draw, reflect and translate shapes on grids.
2Y Right Angles, Moving and Turning: identify right angles in shapes and everyday objects; recognise quarter, half and full turns and their relationship to angles; identify and use the four compass points (N, S, E and W) to follow and give directions; measure, draw and classify acute, right and obtuse angles using a protractor and set square; estimate, compare and construct angles accurately.
2Z Principles of reading and drawing bar charts; conducting a survey; reasoning problems with bar charts; reading and drawing Venn diagrams with both two and three circles; factors of numbers; reading and drawing Carroll diagrams with four quadrants.
Stage 3 (approx. age 10 to 13)
3A Multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals by 10, 100 and 1000 by moving columns (or moving decimal point); rounding decimals to whole numbers, 1d.p. and 2d.p.; place value in decimals; reasoning questions using rounding; comparing decimals using < and >; rules of significant figures (up to 4s.f.).
3C Fractions: recognise, generate and simplify equivalent fractions using common factors; compare and order fractions using common denominators; calculate with fractions by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions, including mixed numbers, fractions with different denominators and fractions by whole numbers or fractions.
3G Percentages as a fraction of 100; relating percentages to common fractions; reasoning questions comparing percentage scores; finding percentages of numbers as relating to fractions; finding simple and complex percentages of numbers with and without a calculator; finding complex fractions of numbers using division and multiplication; converting fractions to percentages.
3H Positive and negative numbers: addition and subtraction of positive and negative numbers, with and without number line; adjacent/double signs within sums; multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers; apply rules of positive and negative numbers to sums including fractions and decimals, including four operations and BIDMAS.
3K Factors and prime numbers: factors and multiples; recognition of factors using patterns and rules; breaking numbers into factor pairs; factor trees; prime factors; using ladder method (division ladder) for prime factorisation.
3L Using short multiplication (column) method to multiply integers by decimals; correctly placing decimals in multiplication answers by counting and by estimating; long multiplication of integers up to 4 digits by 4 digits.
3M Basic and short division (bus-stop method) with integer remainders; short division into decimal answers including rounding to 1d.p. and 2d.p.; long division method (integers only, using remainders) with 2, 3 and 4 digit numbers.
3P Working with and converting 12-hour and 24-hour clocks; accurate drawing and reading of analogue clocks; reasoning problems with mixed 12- and 24-hours clocks, including passage of time; completing and reading timetables using 24-hour clock.
3R Circles: drawing accurate circles; understanding radius, diameter and circumference; finding circle dimensions by measuring; learning and applying formulae for finding area and circumference of circles using pi; rounding to given degree of accuracy (d.p.); using inverse formulae to find radius or diameter from circumference or area; using formulae within reasoning problems.
3S Identifying what and how we measure in real-world contexts, including sensible use of estimation; understanding, scaling and using units of length, weight and capacity; logic problems using measurements; finding volume of cuboids using formula; converting and comparing metric lengths, using division and multiplication; converting imperial measurements using a calculator; reasoning problems using mixed metric and imperial units.
3T Area and Perimeter: distinguish between area and perimeter and calculate each using appropriate units; calculate the perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, parallelograms and compound shapes, including finding missing lengths; estimate, compare and solve problems involving area and perimeter; apply area and perimeter skills to solve multi-step measurement and real-life problems.
3U Shape and space (3D): sketching and accurately drawing 3D shapes and prisms; nets, plans and elevations; calculating surface area of prisms.
3V Straight-line graphs: coordinates and axes; basic x= and y= graphs; accurate drawing and labelling of axes; accurate use of axes scaling; graphing linear functions using tables of values; finding gradients from graphs; expressing gradients using dy/dx; drawing graphs from given coordinate and gradient.
3W Drawing Angles: measure, draw and classify acute, right, obtuse, and reflex angles accurately using a protractor; use rulers, compasses and set squares to construct circles, triangles, equilateral triangles and parallel lines accurately; calculate missing angles on straight lines, around a point, in triangles, in quadrilaterals and on parallel lines using angle facts; recognise and use the angle properties of triangles and quadrilaterals; apply geometric drawing and angle reasoning skills.
3X Transformations: translations using translation vectors; reflections including diagonal mirror lines; rotations including finding centre of enlargement by trial and error; rotational symmetry.
3Y Understanding the principles of pie charts; creating pie charts from data; finding angles in pie chart sectors; reading data from pie charts including measuring angles; reasoning problems using pie charts including understanding of different representations of similar data groups.
3Z Data Handling – Averages: mean; median; mode; range; assumed mean versus accurate mean.
Stage 4 (approx. age 13 to 15)
4A Fractions and decimals: decimal place value and ordering; convert fractions to decimals and vice-versa; rounding to stated decimal places; Greatest Common Factors and Lowest Common Multiples of integer pairs; adding and subtracting mixed numbers (fractions); fractions and decimals within four operations and BIDMAS (positive values only); compare fractions, decimals and percentages.
4B Factors; square and cube numbers and roots both with and without a calculator; indices patterns and their differences; index notation; use of index laws for multiplying and dividing like index terms; use of index laws for stacked powers and to the power 0.
4C Fractions, decimals and percentages: revise; fractions of numbers; equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages; percentages (non-calculator) with fractional reasoning and/or multiplying fractions; calculating percentage change by multiplying fractions; recognise and calculate decimal multipliers; find percentages and percentage change (calculator) with decimal multipliers; reasoning problems using percentage changes (calculator and non-calculator).
4F Relationship between fractions, decimals and percentages; link between ratio and proportion; simplifying ratios; using proportional division to split amounts into ratios; connecting ratios through a common term; reasoning problems using ratios; non-calculator reasoning problems using percentages; percentage change including decimal multipliers.
4G Order of operations including brackets both with and without a calculator; rounding to decimal places and significant figures; choosing suitable degrees of accuracy; reasoning problems using rounding and bounds; using approximation in calculations; exchange rates including graphing.
4I Long multiplication and short division: using decimals, with and without a calculator, including decimal placement; using sensible approximation with decimals; long division including decimals.
4K Algebraic substitution with positive and negative numbers: within and including fractions, brackets, indices and roots; constructing equations from word problems; create and use formulae including area of trapeziums, volume of trapezoids, surface area and volume of spheres; introduction to using substitution to solve quadratic formula.
4L Solving linear equations by transposition: including brackets and fractions; simplify equations; factorise linear equations; rearrange linear equations.
4M Rearranging linear equations and formulae: including fractions, brackets, indices, roots; rearrange linear equations using factorisation; create and use equations; reasoning problems using formulae.
4N Algebra: construct and solve equations; express written problems algebraically; real-world application of algebra; solve formulae and equations with and without a calculator; rearrange formulae and equations; work with common formulae (speed/time, inverse proportion, volume, area, surface area).
4Q Angles on parallel lines: identify and label angles in <ABC format; complementary and supplementary angles using algebra; understand principles of, identify, label and calculate vertically opposite, corresponding and alternate angles; apply reasoning to angle questions with and without algebra.
4R Angles on parallel lines: draw and identify complementary, supplementary, vertically opposite, corresponding, alternate, co-interior/allied and adjacent angles; use deduction to calculate angles in quadrilaterals and exterior/interior angles of n-sided polygons; calculate exterior and interior angles of n-sided polygons; use combined skills to answer reasoning questions involving angles, including algebra.
4S Enlargements: centres of enlargement and scale factors (drawing and describing); similar figures; negative and fractional scale factors; introduction of dy/dx.
4U Constructions: equidistant points, mid points of lines, perpendicular bisectors, loci, triangles; scale drawings; reasoning problems including constructions.
4V Data Handling: collect, organise and classify data using tally charts and frequency tables; present and interpret data using pictograms, bar charts and dual bar charts, selecting appropriate scales, labels and keys; distinguish between discrete and continuous data and choose suitable methods of presentation; compare, interpret and draw conclusions from charts and graphs, including calculating totals, ranges, percentages and estimates; apply data-handling skills to solve reasoning and real-life problems.
4W Scatter Graphs: plot and interpret scatter graphs to investigate relationships between two variables; recognise and discuss correlation, including the strength of correlation and outliers; draw and use lines of best fit to interpolate and extrapolate data; distinguish between correlation and causation when interpreting real-life data; apply scatter graph skills to make predictions and justify conclusions.
4X Converting Measurements, Area and Volume: convert between metric units of length, mass, capacity, area and volume, including squared and cubed units; calculate the perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezia and compound shapes using appropriate formulae; calculate the volume and surface area of cuboids and other prisms; solve multi-step measurement problems involving unit conversions, area, volume and surface area; apply measurement skills to solve real-life problems.
4Z Probability (using both fractions and decimals): probability tables; reasoning problems; independent and dependent outcomes; tree diagrams; predicting outcomes.
Stage 5 (approx. age 15 to 16)
5B Indices, standard form and surds: applying index laws for multiplying and dividing like index terms; use of index laws for stacked powers; using index law for roots of indices; simplifying and solving fractional indices; standard form with integers and decimals; surds including rationalising denominators with surds; negative indices; negative fractional indices.
5C Direct and indirect proportion: basic reasoning using proportion; principles of graphing direct and indirect proportion; proportional variation including squares, cubes and roots; mathematical use of scale factors.
5Q Linear function graphs: finding gradients of straight-line graphs both mathematically and graphically; gradients of parallel graphs; gradients of perpendicular graphs.
5S Coordinate Geometry: calculate distances between points using coordinate geometry and Pythagoras' theorem; find and use midpoint and distance formulae in 2D and 3D; determine unknown coordinates using distance and midpoint relationships; investigate properties of shapes using coordinates, including perimeter, equal lengths and right angles; apply coordinate geometry.
5U Constructions: angle bisectors; reasoning problems; use of equidistant points, loci, perpendicular bisectors; bearings including Pythagoras and reasoning problems.
5W Equations of Tangents and Normals: use differentiation for gradient of a curve at a given point; calculate equations of tangents and normals using gradients and coordinate geometry; determine points of intersection involving curves, tangents and normals; identify stationary points by finding where the gradient is zero; apply differentiation and algebraic reasoning.
5Y Statistics: discrete and continuous data; measures of spread, including range and mean deviation; compare distributions using averages and measures of spread; cumulative frequency tables and graphs; construct and interpret cumulative frequency graphs and estimate values from them.
5Z Statistics: measures of spread, including mean deviation, variance and standard deviation; calculate and compare standard deviation; use mean and standard deviation to calculate standardised differences; median and quartiles; calculate semi-interquartile range and use it to compare data, including data with extreme values.
English
Stage 1 (approx. age 6 to 8)
1A Spelling patterns: digraphs -oe, ph-, kn-, wr-; trigraphs -ight, -tch; unusual consonant usage and vowel alterations c as ‘s’, qu-, o as ‘u’; word ending -le.
1B Final consonant blends and digraphs -nd, -st, -k, -t, -d, -ng, -nk, -ll, -ss, -sk, -ck, -sp; initial consonant blends and digraphs p-, sh-, sn- st-, sk-; short vowel phonemes a, e, i, o, u.
1C Phonics: recognise and distinguish short and long 'a' sounds; read and spell words using a-e (magic 'e'), ai and ay spelling patterns; sort and categorise words by their vowel sounds; choose correct spelling pattern for words with long 'a' sound; apply a-e, ai and ay spellings accurately in words and simple sentences.
1D Spelling patterns: identify long and short ‘e’ phonemes; practise long ‘e’ phoneme as e / ee / ea; examine how consonants affect vowel sounds; recognize, identify, correct and practise spellings of words with long ‘e’ phoneme; basic vocabulary of common long ‘e’ phoneme words.
1E High frequency words: spelling practise using wordsearches, missing letters, accurate copying, letter sequencing, coding, linking syllables; high frequency words with ‘-oo-‘ and ‘-ou-‘ and starting with ‘w’.
1G Synonyms and antonyms: recognising and classifying; expanding vocabulary; replacing words to change meaning; sentence copying.
1H Building CVC words; decodable high frequency words; constructing simple sentences by ordering words; compound words (2-syllables); using rhyming to explore word families.
1J Alphabetical order: working with letters by both sound (phonic) and name; practicing writing the alphabet in order; putting words in alphabetical order; recall and use vocabulary based on starting letters.
1K Reading comprehension from informational non-fiction texts; accurate copying from text; full sentence comprehension answers; phonics ou/ow and long/short ‘i’; spelling practise -ing; plurals using -s and -es.
1L Sentences: capital letters and full stops; order words to form complete, meaningful sentences; identify and correct missing, extra or misplaced words in sentences; use capital letters and full stops in sentences and short passages; identify sentence breaks in text; choose correct vocabulary; identify correct use of question marks and exclamation marks; write simple sentences using correct punctuation.
1N Comprehension in realistic and humorous fiction: following instructions; short comprehension answers; copying from text; finding information from text; answering in sentence form; silly sentences.
1P Reading comprehension from non-fiction narrative texts; using comprehension to follow instructions; spelling high frequency words (family and nature); presenting information in a table; most similar facts; accurate copying; topic specific learning through comprehension.
1R Verb tenses (past and present) using sequencing; past tense using -ed; irregular past tense verbs; changing between past and present tenses; simple sentence writing; simple future tense (using ‘will’).
1S Writing comprehension: identifying food items, equipment and instructions; vocabulary development choosing suitable words; basic reasoning and explanation; understanding and applying the structure and sequencing of instructions; technical accuracy; writing composition using sequencing based on prompts.
1T Consequences using short stories; likely outcomes; story structure; constructing narratives using random choices; cause and effect within stories; story building using action and consequence; writing and speaking.
1U Reading aloud; building enjoyment of accessible reading; identifying fiction and non-fiction; using visual cues to construct narrative; understanding personal engagement with stories and genres; decision making and prediction skills.
1V Narrative: using oral comprehension; using sequencing to follow and create narratives; creating characters and setting for narrative writing; understanding and linking problem and solution; using connectives to improve writing; story retelling with correct structure and understanding of key events; applying narrative structure to creative writing.
1W Listening comprehension of fiction texts; book discussion (events and opinion); word choice based on context; original story writing with structure; working with story arcs.
Stage 2 (approx. age 8 to 10)
2A Punctuation: apostrophes for contractions and possession; correct apostrophes for words ending with ‘s’; correct usage of ‘its’ and ‘it’s’; commas to separate clauses; creating compound sentences; commas within lists.
2C Morphology (root words, prefixes and suffixes): identify root words within longer words; recognise and use prefixes (including un-, dis-, im-, de-, re- and pre-) to change word meanings; recognise and use suffixes (including -ly, -ful, -less, -ness, -er and -or) to create new words; apply spelling rules when adding prefixes and suffixes, including changes to root words and word families; use knowledge of word structure to work out the meaning and spelling of unfamiliar words.
2E Singular and plural nouns; recognise, use, spell and write regular and irregular plurals; spelling rules for regular plurals.
2F Homonyms: recognising and categorising homographs and homophones; vocabulary development using homonyms; writing definitions for new or familiar vocabulary; homonym use in fiction and poetry; puns based on homonyms.
2H Figurative language (similes and metaphors): recognise and interpret similes and metaphors; distinguish between literal and figurative language; compare and create similes and metaphors to describe characters, settings and events; identify and explain the effect of figurative language in different contexts; apply figurative language to improve descriptive writing.
2J Grammar: nouns – proper, common, collective; verbs; basic noun/verb agreement; verb tenses; adjectives; adjective classification; changing nouns and verbs into adjectives; creating adjectives using suffixes; comparatives and superlatives.
2K Grammar: word usage (nouns/verbs), adverbs, singular and plural, compound words, pronouns, descriptive verbs, conjunctions, connectives
2L Punctuation: correct usage of speech marks, including punctuation around speech marks and commas for demarcation; correct placement of reporting clauses; choose appropriate dialogue tags within context; use colons for lists and to clarify / expand the first clause; use semi-colons for linking related clauses; use brackets, commas and dash pairs to indicate parenthesis; revise exclamation marks and question marks; apply a range of punctuation accurately and consistently.
2M Reading comprehension from fiction texts; extract explicit and implied information; use quotes to justify opinion; retention and recall; infer and justify based on textual evidence; plausible creative writing based on text.
2N Poetry: reading comprehension; extract literal and implied information; infer and interpret based on evidence and justify choice; definition and use of rhyme, rhythm and repetition; grammar use and importance of word choice.
2Q Poetry: extract literal and implied information; identify the speaker; summarise implicit information; follow a story arc and understand poetic narrative.
2R Non-fiction writing: identifying fiction and non-fiction texts; writing about people based on personality, appearance and personal relationships; character profiles; transforming information from one format to another; planning, structuring and writing a report based on a real event.
2T Defining poetry based on rhyme and rhythm; rules of clerihews; defining, using and identifying alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia; use AABB rhyming and extend vocabulary to create clerihews; use correct rhythm to write poetry.
2U Story structure (beginning, middle and end); understand structure within effective story writing; use of problem/resolution within fiction; use story sequencing to create a coherent narrative; creative writing using beginning, middle and end structure and problem/solution.
2W Use a dictionary and thesaurus to extend vocabulary; synonyms; spelling high frequency words in isolation and within text.
2X Discursive writing: arguments and reasoned, suitable counter arguments; persuasion using pros and cons; use of introduction and conclusion within discussion.
2Y Persuasive writing: identifying pros and cons; imagining pros and cons for different scenarios; identifying strong arguments; understanding debate; using counterarguments as opposition; identifying and using strong persuasive language in arguments and advertising.
2Z Summary of fiction texts based on main characters, setting, style and problem/resolution; connect extracts based on text title and genre; comprehension from summary including inference and justification; summarise with precision and concision.
Stage 3 (approx. age 10 to 13)
3A Spelling Strategies: develop spelling strategies, grouping words by spelling patterns, sounds, meanings and word classes; recognise and apply common spelling conventions, including suffixes -cious/-tious, -ous/-ious and -able/-ible and homophones; use a range of memory techniques to learn and recall challenging spellings; identify, correct and proofread spelling errors accurately; apply spelling knowledge to improve vocabulary and written accuracy.
3C Vocabulary extension: improving basic vocabulary using synonyms; changing meaning with antonyms; common homophone pairs; identifying and applying advanced vocabulary for common words (nice, said, happy, sad, little, big); using vocabulary techniques to improve creative writing and description; extending vocabulary for, and understanding nuances of, emotive, setting and movement words.
3F Figurative language (metaphors): identify literal and figurative language; interpret and identify metaphors; create and use metaphors for intentional creative effect; interpret metaphorical language in poetry; explain the underlying meaning of metaphorical poems.
3G Standard English, rhetoric and dialect: definition; correct and suitable use; “translating” dialects; arguments and suitable counter arguments within speeches; use of rhetoric in persuasion; formal speaking.
3H Figurative language (proverbs and idioms): understand non-literal language (proverbs and idioms) as figurative language; interpret non-literal language; use proverbs to structure a narrative; recognize proverbs and idioms and their meanings; recognize proverbs and idioms in context.
3I Presentation: stereotyping and visual bias; use of design and presentation for impact and persuasion; transforming information for effect; tailoring presentation based on audience; self-editing.
3J Synonyms: categorisation; explore word choice and connotation; use of language for effect; use of synonyms to enhance creative writing.
3K Sentence construction: grammatical analysis and understanding sentence structure; identify correct sentence structures; independent and dependent clauses; compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences; use grammar purposefully in writing.
3L Punctuation: speech marks; direct and reported speech; varied dialogue tags/speech verbs; apostrophes (possession and contraction).
3M Direct and reported speech: changing reported speech into a script; converting direct speech into reported speech (diary format); dialogue tags; creative writing using direct or reported speech.
3N Standard English: distinguish between Standard English and non-standard forms, including slang, dialect and jargon; recognise and correct non-standard grammar, vocabulary and sentence structures; use accurate pronouns, adverbs and negatives in Standard English; basic sociolinguistics; language variations within modern and classic texts.
3R Poetry: rhyme, rhythm, structure, grammar, topic, meaning, message; explore how poetic devices define poetic forms; creative writing (acrostic poems); interpreting through paraphrased analysis not evidence.
3S Features and language of fiction and non-fiction texts; explore how form and structure reflect purpose; synthesise information from multiple texts; creative characterisation.
3T Characterisation: vocabulary of character description; character analysis from both implicit and explicit information; infer character traits from connotation; creative character development through descriptive writing.
3U Poetry: nuances of intensity and tone in descriptive language; identify alliteration, similes, metaphors, repetition, rhythm, rhyme, questions for effect and grammar terms in poetry; structural and grammatical analysis.
3V Written communication: understand purpose, audience and context in communication; comprehension and manipulation of digital texts (chat and email); select appropriate formats and adapting tone, register and language; communicate effectively using different written formats; rewrite texts between informal and formal styles; write short and extended texts in a range of real-life formats with correct conventions, layout, greetings and sign-offs.
3W Creating characters: find character information and creating fact files; use imagination to create and character fact files; creative writing based around character.
3Z Synopsis: understand the purpose and features of synopses, including layout and organisation; identify and select essential information while excluding unnecessary detail; adapt and organise information to produce clear, concise synopses for different purposes; create well-structured synopses from a range of non-fiction and literary texts (Shakespeare).
Stage 4 (approx. age 13 to 15)
4A Spellings: plurals; phonetic spellings; spelling rules and common exceptions -ei, -gh, silent letters; prefixes, suffixes, root words; vocabulary development and sensible vocabulary choice based on context.
4B High frequency spellings, prepositions and connectives: practise and accurately spell high-frequency words, matching spellings to their definitions; identify and use prepositions accurately to convey relationships and meaning within sentences; use connectives as discourse markers to link, expand and develop ideas; apply accurate spelling, prepositions and connectives to improve cohesion, fluency and clarity in writing.
4E Use and effect of active and passive voice; creative writing with active and passive; personal and impersonal language and its use in persuasive and descriptive writing.
4J Analytical reading and transactional writing: identify how purpose, audience and form influence texts; analyse and compare writers’ language, structural and vocabulary choices, explaining their effects with supporting evidence; interpret tone, connotations, atmosphere and implied meaning; write effectively for different audiences, purposes and forms using deliberate language and structural choices.
4K Punctuation: question and exclamation marks; apostrophes; inverted commas and speech marks; commas, colons and semi-colons; asterisks, parentheses, hyphens, dashes, ellipsis; proof reading for punctuation and spelling.
4L Viewpoint: interpreting bias from texts using language cues; bias within poetry (Roald Dahl); identifying bias based on perspective; prejudice based on personal experience; writing alternate viewpoints of the same event.
4M Text analysis and comparison (fiction): comprehension; effect identification and awareness; sentence-level comparison; language technique application; dual-text comparative analysis; comparative evidence selection; varying analytical language; explain how language choice creates meaning.
4P Standard English: oral traditions and cultural roots of stories; morals within traditional text; adapting informal or regional language for a formal audience; modern retelling of a classic fable.
4Q Research and study skills: identify key ideas and organise them logically; transform information into a different form, to change its purpose and audience; make deliberate stylistic choices; consider suitable tone and language for chosen form; writing appropriately and consistently within style.
4R Reading for meaning (fiction and non-fiction): extract and summarise information and key facts from 19th-century text; using evidence in analysis; non-fiction reading strategy, information retrieval and summary.
4S Understanding author’s craft (19th century text): using evidence to comment character, setting, mood, style, language; write imaginatively and empathetically within a character role, based on text.
4T Factual reports (plan, draft and present): transactional writing using stimulus material; purposeful writing for a specific audience and context; presenting similarities and differences including structure and tone; structure information for clarity and purpose.
4U Characterisation: analyse how description shapes character perception; plan and elaborate on character details; expand ideas using descriptive detail; use description to convey character traits; identify explicit information and implied character traits from text; use textual understanding to inform creative writing; infer character traits from dialogue; understand narrative perspective; use different narrative voices for effect.
4V Writing to describe: improve descriptive writing through precise vocabulary, descriptive verbs and adjectives, and figurative language; create vivid descriptions by appealing to the five senses; plan and develop atmosphere and setting through carefully chosen details; proofread, edit and refine writing to improve clarity, effectiveness and reader engagement.
4W Persuasive writing: viewpoints; finding supportive evidence; argue, persuade, advise; generating ideas and opinions; critical thinking and justification.
4X Persuasive writing – critical vocabulary: understand different purposes of writing; understand the difference between persuasive and discursive writing; organise ideas into relevant categories; structure ideas using different strands of reasoning; elaborate ideas for clarity and impact; create cohesion through varied openings and linking language.
4Y Discussion and debate: identifying information in a casual setting; discussing contemporary topics effectively; presenting balanced arguments with prompts; giving a speech or presentation.
4Z Empathy (lyrics as poetry): find evidence and make inferences about character, voice, and scenario; understand implied meaning and textual analysis; compare predictions to reality; creative writing (poetry/lyrics) using suitable language devices; self-analysis.
Stage 5 (approx. age 15 to 16)
5B Advanced vocabulary and spelling: extend vocabulary through higher-level words and literary terms; understand, define and use ambitious vocabulary accurately in context; develop accurate spelling of advanced vocabulary; apply vocabulary knowledge to improve spoken and written communication.
5E Hypothesis: testable and non-testable; formulating based on prior knowledge; reasoning and justification; adapting tone, register and style (personal and impersonal); writing strategies and success criteria; discursive writing.
5J Text analysis and comparative essay writing: analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve their purpose; compare texts by evaluating similarities and differences in purpose, audience and form; select and use textual evidence to support interpretations; plan, organise and refine essays for clarity and coherence.
5K Active and passive voice (subject and object); effect of active and passive within creative writing; explore effect of active and passive on meaning and tone; use active and passive voice within speech writing.
5L Argue, persuade, advise: identifying viewpoint and bias; emotive language; generalisation; exaggeration; rhetorical questions; language usage with bias; neutral phrasing; discourse markers for impartial writing; writing balanced arguments.
5M Comparative reading and analysis: read and compare two fiction texts; analyse language and its effects; select and use quotations; plan and rewrite extracts; change viewpoint, tone and tension; improve sentence choices; write precisely; use techniques from the texts to shape reader response.
5O Stylistic conventions – writing fiction: craft an effective narrative using language and structure deliberately to create effect; use narrative techniques to engage the reader; adapt creative writing to form, tone and stimulus; make deliberate choices about form and style in fiction writing.
5P Standard English: oral traditions and cultural roots of stories; reading colloquial language; moral, language and comprehension (including evidence) from a folk tale; modern retelling of a classic folk tale.
5R Informative non-fiction/transactional writing: purpose; target audience; writing form and language choice; proofreading and self-editing.
5S Write imaginatively and empathetically within a character role, based on text (using explicit and implied information).
5T Non-fiction: reviews; produce informative report from text evidence; write persuasive article from text evidence; writing for audience and purpose.
5U Creating characters: create a character profile; use language effectively to enhance the character description, including implied information; write creatively using (and staying true to) the character profile.
5V Writing to describe: create atmosphere, tension and emotional impact through carefully chosen vocabulary, imagery and structure; control the reader's attention through purposeful descriptive techniques; improve writing through self-assessment, editing and redrafting.
5W Imaginative non-fiction; factual writing with a creative voice; target audience and viewpoint.
5X Persuasive writing – critical vocabulary: evaluate and redraft writing to improve its effectiveness for audience and purpose; generate, organise and develop ideas for persuasive writing using a planning tool; write clear, well-developed persuasive text; refine and structure ideas to improve the quality of an argument
5Y Discussion and debate: identifying information in a casual setting; discussing contemporary topics effectively; presenting balanced arguments with prompts; giving a speech or presentation; discursive essay writing.
5Z Narrative / gothic poetry: tone, voice, emotion, rhyme, rhythm, comprehension (literal and implied); first-person narrative retelling and creative reinterpretation.