The Rivers CofE Academy Trust held its first ‘Vocabulary in Action Day’, a trust-wide event designed to celebrate the power of words and promote vocabulary development across all 16 schools.

Why vocabulary matters

According to Speech and Language UK, “Two million children in the UK are currently struggling with talking and understanding words.” By focusing on vocabulary development, The Rivers CofE Academy Trust is working to close the word gap and ensure every child has the language skills they need to succeed.

A word-inspired dress-up day

As part of our commitment to delivering an extraordinary education, staff and pupils were invited to dress up as a word to spark curiosity and conversation around language.

From “metamorphosis” to “courageous,” pupils showcased their vibrant imagination and language through costume.

Guess the word: trust-wide challenge

One of the highlights of the day was a trust-wide competition where pupils from nursery to Year 6 guessed the “mystery words” represented by the trust's central services team. Teachers used the opportunity to discuss word meanings and encourage thoughtful debate about language and interpretation.

Launching a structured approach to vocabulary development

The event also marked the launch of a structured, evidence-informed approach to teaching vocabulary. In conjunction with our local Speech and Language service and the teaching and learning team at Rivers, schools will be supported to select, teach and practice vocabulary across the curriculum. The approach will help all children, particularly those with Developmental Language Disorder or English as an additional language, by providing multiple, meaningful encounters with new words.

This approach is part of how the trust supports children in developing their language skills, designed to ensure every child has the tools to access the trust's broad and ambitious curriculum.

“Vocabulary is the gateway to understanding, confidence, and success,” say Ella Atkinson and Louise Price, of the School Improvement  Team at The Rivers CofE Academy Trust. “By embedding vocabulary teaching across all our schools, we’re helping our pupils with the language skills they need to thrive — not just in school, but in life.”

Useful vocabulary resources for parents

• Home - Speech and Language UK
• Tiny Happy People
• Words for Life | National Literacy Trust | Words for Life