Powerful Words

At Sawtry Junior Academy we are part of the Powerful Words project. This project aims to ensure that all children have the best possible opportunities to be able to express themselves and communicate effectively.

Our aim is to ensure that our children are given opportunities to learn and use 240 tier 2 (medium to low frequency words) in the four years that they are at Sawtry Junior Academy. The words have been mapped out and the children will be exposed to and learn 2 new words a week – with regular opportunities built into the timetable to use and apply them and revisit them at later times.

This will be built into 3 of their English lessons each week. All classes will have the same 2 words each week so that the whole school is immersed in using and enjoying the same shared vocabulary. From studies and research this has been shown to be the most effective strategy.

The main resources we will be using are through a company called “Mrs Wordsmith”.

We recommend that you discuss these words with your child and ask them about their Powerful words lessons.

Why are we participating in Powerful words?

Studies have demonstrated that pupils who come from a disadvantaged background are impacted throughout their lives by not having exposure to a broad vocabulary which enables clear communication. Studies have also shown that all children’s outcomes in exams and later in life are positively impacted when able to communicate as clearly and effectively as possible. The schools that were identified in the initial project showed huge improvement in reading and writing outcomes which than has a positive impact on all subjects learned at secondary school.

The COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact on children’s language acquisition and this initiative will be helpful in closing the gap created in 2019-2020 due to the national lockdowns.

At Sawtry Junior Academy our pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds and so we believe this project will be beneficial to all.

How will we do this?

3 x 15 minute lessons per week, introducing 2 new words along with associated synonyms and related words or phrases. One lesson will be an opportunity to use and recap [previously taught words.

What will it look like?

• An introduction to the new word along with a child friendly definition and an opportunity to explore and discuss.
• Exploration of related words, phrases, synonyms, etymology and examples of the word.
• Engaging characters “The wordsmith gang” which bring the meaning of words to life.