Developing Vocabulary

For several years now, the English team has been working across Devon, and increasingly further afield, to successfully support schools in developing the teaching and learning of vocabulary.

As we've discovered more and more about this, we've recognised the importance of whole school strategic implementation, centred on two key elements:

  • direct instruction (teaching words themselves, and teaching word-learning strategies)
  • creating a language-rich culture (providing rich language experiences and fostering word consciousness and curiosity).

We believe both strands are essential for genuine school improvement.


We wrote the Developing Vocabulary CPD package for teaching & learning to facilitate and guide whole school staff professional development. 

Our materials introduce some of the most important research on developing vocabulary, and draw upon our considerable expertise as English advisers to provide the subject knowledge needed to feel confident and informed in this area. The resources support a whole school approach, and now include a 30-minute webinar for those intending to take on the role of trainer, in which we aim to show you around the materials and guide you through the strategic implementation of vocabulary development work in your school.

For further details, watch this short video.