Find a skill and its lesson.

Reading, viewing and listening to texts

1. Re-reads closely to uncover main ideas and layers of meaningBuilds on: Supports inferences with evidence from the text (Years 5–6); Summarises and organises the main ideas of a text (Years 5–6)
2. Explores how culture and time shape language in textsBuilds on: Identifies where words come from (Years 5–6); Explains how perspective is shaped by context and authorial choice (Years 5–6)
3. Explains a personal response and where it comes fromBuilds on: Chooses texts and reading approaches for a purpose (Years 5–6)
4. Reads strategically: pathways, context cues and reading aloudBuilds on: Uses signposts and structure to find information fast (Years 5–6); Uses morphology and etymology to unlock unfamiliar words (Years 5–6)
5. Sustains wide reading across diverse perspectivesBuilds on: Explains a personal response and where it comes from
6. Reflects on what reading has taught youBuilds on: Sustains wide reading across diverse perspectives; Monitors, repairs and evaluates own comprehension strategies (Years 5–6)

Understanding and responding to texts A

1. Analyses how characters are constructed and what they representBuilds on: Analyses character attributes, archetypes and development (Years 5–6)
2. Identifies imagery, simile, metaphor and personification and analyses their effectBuilds on: Analyses figurative language, symbol and imagery in literature (Years 5–6)
3. Analyses narrative conventions and the identities they depictBuilds on: Analyses narrative conventions and the expectations they set (Years 5–6)
4. Analyses narrative voice, focaliser and personBuilds on: Explains how perspective is shaped by context and authorial choice (Years 5–6); Reads dialogue, quoted speech and reported speech (Years 3–4)
5. Understands texts as acts of representation and describes them with metalanguageBuilds on: Collects and uses newly met words, including metalanguage (Years 5–6); Explains how perspective is shaped by context and authorial choice (Years 5–6)
6. Analyses images, film and multimodal texts using their codes and conventionsBuilds on: Explains why an author structured a text the way they did (Years 5–6); Understands texts as acts of representation and describes them with metalanguage

Understanding and responding to texts B

1. Analyses how arguments are constructed and evidencedBuilds on: Judges argument, objectivity and the authority of texts (Years 5–6)
2. Explains how texts position readers to accept a point of viewBuilds on: Explains how perspective is shaped by context and authorial choice (Years 5–6); Distinguishes fact from opinion, identifies bias and questions the author (Years 5–6)
3. Explains how cultural context shapes a text and its languageBuilds on: Explains how texts position readers to accept a point of view; Explores how culture and time shape language in texts
4. Describes the stylistic and aesthetic qualities of a textBuilds on: Weighs modality and shades of meaning between synonyms (Years 5–6); Understands texts as acts of representation and describes them with metalanguage
5. Identifies themes and explains how they develop across a textBuilds on: Identifies the recurring messages in literature (Years 5–6); Re-reads closely to uncover main ideas and layers of meaning
6. Analyses personal voice and how a text builds authorityBuilds on: Analyses how arguments are constructed and evidenced

Understanding and responding to texts C

1. Analyses genre conventions and how texts exhibit or challenge themBuilds on: Explains genre codes and the texts that break them (Years 5–6); Analyses narrative conventions and the identities they depict
2. Analyses connections between texts, including adaptations and appropriationsBuilds on: Analyses genre conventions and how texts exhibit or challenge them; Compares and synthesises texts on the same topic (Years 5–6)
3. Explains why texts are valued differently in different contextsBuilds on: Describes the stylistic and aesthetic qualities of a text; Analyses connections between texts, including adaptations and appropriations

Essay craft and composing written texts

1. Controls the structural and grammatical conventions of imaginative, informative and persuasive writingBuilds on: Controls tense, referencing, substitution and paragraph transitions across a whole text (Years 5–6); Varies sentence type and length for clarity and effect suited to text purpose (Years 5–6)
2. Discusses a central idea from personal and objective positionsBuilds on: Writes objective arguments, blends them with personal ones, and presents multiple viewpoints (Years 5–6)
3. Uses imagery, figurative language and modality to create tone, atmosphere and moodBuilds on: Uses metaphor, hyperbole, oxymoron and allusion for effect (Years 5–6); Targets rhetorical devices and modality to qualify or strengthen arguments (Years 5–6)
4. Composes persuasive texts with a defining thesis, elaboration paragraphs and a synthesising conclusionBuilds on: Builds a statement of position and logical lines of argument to a rhetorical conclusion (Years 5–6); Writes objective arguments, blends them with personal ones, and presents multiple viewpoints (Years 5–6)
5. Uses rhetorical language to shape ideas and express a perspectiveBuilds on: Targets rhetorical devices and modality to qualify or strengthen arguments (Years 5–6)
6. Structures and sequences texts cohesively and orients the reader in the openingBuilds on: Controls tense, referencing, substitution and paragraph transitions across a whole text (Years 5–6)
7. Writes a structured analytical text with introduction, supporting points and conclusionBuilds on: Chooses informative formats and organises ideas into logically sequenced paragraphs (Years 5–6); Structures and sequences texts cohesively and orients the reader in the opening
8. Supports arguments with subjective and objective evidence, and refutes counterargumentsBuilds on: Composes persuasive texts with a defining thesis, elaboration paragraphs and a synthesising conclusion
9. Embeds textual evidence within sentences to support a personal perspectiveBuilds on: Writes a structured analytical text with introduction, supporting points and conclusion
10. Composes informative texts that summarise conceptual informationBuilds on: Writes a structured analytical text with introduction, supporting points and conclusion

Imaginative and poetic composition

1. Creates imaginative texts that drive plot, develop character and build place and atmosphereBuilds on: Crafts imaginative texts with deliberate choices of setting, character, voice and theme (Years 5–6)
2. Selects poetic forms and features to express ideas and personal perspectivesBuilds on: Selects poetic forms to express ideas descriptively (Years 5–6)
3. Experiments with unpredictable structural features to engage a readerBuilds on: Creates imaginative texts that drive plot, develop character and build place and atmosphere
4. Develops thematic elements around a central complication or conflictBuilds on: Creates imaginative texts that drive plot, develop character and build place and atmosphere
5. Reshapes aspects of texts to create new meaningBuilds on: Creates imaginative texts that drive plot, develop character and build place and atmosphere

Representing and multimodal composition

1. Composes visual and multimodal texts that create tone, atmosphere and moodBuilds on: Chooses multimodal features for an audience and acknowledges sources (Years 5–6)

Sentence-level grammar and punctuation

1. Embeds adjectival clauses and positions adverbial phrases and clauses to clarify meaningBuilds on: Embeds adjectival clauses and repositions adverbial clauses for effect (Years 5–6)
2. Selects noun groups and verb forms to control clarity and express modalityBuilds on: Uses appositives and nominalisation to write succinctly and authoritatively (Years 5–6)
3. Applies a wide range of punctuation to control clarity, pace and reader responseBuilds on: Uses parentheses, dashes and hyphens, and experiments with punctuation for effect (Years 5–6)
4. Constructs varied sentence structures and controls the four sentence types for purposeBuilds on: Varies sentence type and length for clarity and effect suited to text purpose (Years 5–6)
5. Controls agreement, prepositions, articles, conjunctions, linking devices and pronouns for cohesionBuilds on: Controls tense, referencing, substitution and paragraph transitions across a whole text (Years 5–6)
6. Controls active and passive voice and tense for particular purposesBuilds on: Controls tense, referencing, substitution and paragraph transitions across a whole text (Years 5–6)
7. Applies punctuation conventions for quotations and citing sourcesBuilds on: Uses capitals, commas and quotation marks consistently across a text (Years 5–6); Embeds textual evidence within sentences to support a personal perspective

Word-level language and spelling

1. Spells unfamiliar, complex and technical words using phonological, orthographic and morphological knowledgeBuilds on: Segments unfamiliar multisyllabic words and applies infrequent graphemes (Years 5–6); Adds derivational suffixes and assimilated prefixes to base words and roots (Years 5–6)
2. Selects topic-specific vocabulary that contributes to the stylistic features of writingBuilds on: Uses Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary, synonyms and modality with control (Years 5–6)

Planning, monitoring, revising and reflecting

1. Uses model texts to plan and to shape compositional choicesBuilds on: Plans hybrid texts and researches from several sources using print or digital tools (Years 5–6)
2. Monitors accuracy and responds to verbal and written feedbackBuilds on: Justifies authorial decisions and edits own and others' writing against criteria (Years 5–6)
3. Integrates information and perspectives from different sources into informed textsBuilds on: Assesses the reliability and authority of sources when researching (Years 5–6)
4. Reflects on own composition using technical vocabularyBuilds on: Monitors accuracy and responds to verbal and written feedback
5. Develops a coherent thesis for extended analytical and persuasive textsBuilds on: Composes persuasive texts with a defining thesis, elaboration paragraphs and a synthesising conclusion; Writes a structured analytical text with introduction, supporting points and conclusion
6. Plans a logical sequence of arguments and sets goals at conceptual, text and paragraph levelBuilds on: Develops a coherent thesis for extended analytical and persuasive texts
7. Produces co-constructed texts that represent different ideas and valuesBuilds on: Plans a logical sequence of arguments and sets goals at conceptual, text and paragraph level

Speaking

1. Participates in informal, speculative and exploratory discussion about texts and ideasBuilds on: Initiates and sustains a discussion by questioning, building on and evaluating ideas (Years 5–6); Applies interactive and active listening strategies and gives feedback to a speaker (Years 5–6)
2. Delivers a spoken text with control of intonation, emphasis, volume, pace and timingBuilds on: Delivers a presentation suited to purpose and audience, moderating length, content and style (Years 5–6); Experiments with volume, pace and intonation and recognises the effect on the audience (Years 5–6)
3. Creates spoken, signed or communicated texts that convey ideas and viewpoints to an audienceBuilds on: Delivers a spoken text with control of intonation, emphasis, volume, pace and timing; Identifies imagery, simile, metaphor and personification and analyses their effect
4. Uses rhetorical strategies to engage an audience and evoke an emotional responseBuilds on: Delivers a spoken text with control of intonation, emphasis, volume, pace and timing; Presents a researched multimodal argument with references and persuasive techniques (Years 5–6); Writes a persuasive text with a stated position, sequenced arguments and a conclusion (Years 3–4)

Integers, ratios and percentages

1. Orders, adds and subtracts positive and negative integersBuilds on: Places numbers up to 100 on a number line (Years 1–2); Subtracts two-digit numbers with and without regrouping (Years 1–2)
2. Applies the order of operations to whole-number calculationsBuilds on: Multiplies two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number (Years 3–4); Divides two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number, with remainders (Years 3–4)
3. Simplifies ratios and divides a quantity in a given ratioBuilds on: Finds equivalent fractions using models and multiplication (Years 5–6); Divides two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number, with remainders (Years 3–4)
4. Calculates a percentage of a quantity, including discountsBuilds on: Converts between fractions, decimals and percentages (Years 5–6); Adds, subtracts and multiplies decimals (Years 5–6)
5. Multiplies and divides integers, including with the order of operationsBuilds on: Orders, adds and subtracts positive and negative integers; Applies the order of operations to whole-number calculations
6. Uses rates to compare quantities, including best buys and speedBuilds on: Simplifies ratios and divides a quantity in a given ratio; Divides decimals by whole numbers and by decimals
7. Interprets distance–time graphsBuilds on: Uses rates to compare quantities, including best buys and speed; Plots and reads points in all four quadrants of the Cartesian plane (Years 5–6)

Algebraic techniques and linear equations

1. Describes number patterns and writes the ruleBuilds on: Recalls multiplication facts to 10 × 10 (Years 3–4)
2. Uses algebraic notation with pronumeralsBuilds on: Describes number patterns and writes the rule; Applies the order of operations to whole-number calculations
3. Simplifies algebraic expressions by collecting like termsBuilds on: Uses algebraic notation with pronumerals
4. Solves one-step linear equationsBuilds on: Uses algebraic notation with pronumerals; Orders, adds and subtracts positive and negative integers
5. Plots straight-line graphs from a table of valuesBuilds on: Uses algebraic notation with pronumerals; Plots and reads points in all four quadrants of the Cartesian plane (Years 5–6)
6. Substitutes values into algebraic expressions and formulasBuilds on: Uses algebraic notation with pronumerals; Orders, adds and subtracts positive and negative integers
7. Expands expressions with brackets using the distributive lawBuilds on: Simplifies algebraic expressions by collecting like terms
8. Finds the gradient and y-intercept and writes the equation of a lineBuilds on: Plots straight-line graphs from a table of values
9. Solves quadratic equations of the form ax² = cBuilds on: Solves one-step linear equations; Calculates squares, cubes, square roots and cube roots
10. Solves two-step linear equations, including with bracketsBuilds on: Solves one-step linear equations; Expands expressions with brackets using the distributive law
11. Factorises algebraic expressions using the highest common factorBuilds on: Expands expressions with brackets using the distributive law
12. Solves linear equations graphically using the point of intersectionBuilds on: Plots straight-line graphs from a table of values; Solves two-step linear equations, including with brackets

Fractions, decimals and percentages (Stage 4)

1. Multiplies and divides fractions and mixed numeralsBuilds on: Finds equivalent fractions using models and multiplication (Years 5–6); Multiplies two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number (Years 3–4)
2. Divides decimals by whole numbers and by decimalsBuilds on: Adds, subtracts and multiplies decimals (Years 5–6); Divides two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number, with remainders (Years 3–4)
3. Expresses one quantity as a fraction or percentage of anotherBuilds on: Converts between fractions, decimals and percentages (Years 5–6); Calculates a percentage of a quantity, including discounts
4. Calculates percentage increase and decrease, including GSTBuilds on: Calculates a percentage of a quantity, including discounts

Primes and indices

1. Expresses whole numbers as products of their prime factorsBuilds on: Recalls multiplication facts to 10 × 10 (Years 3–4); Divides two- and three-digit numbers by a one-digit number, with remainders (Years 3–4)
2. Calculates squares, cubes, square roots and cube rootsBuilds on: Recalls multiplication facts to 10 × 10 (Years 3–4); Expresses whole numbers as products of their prime factors
3. Uses index notation and applies the index laws with numerical basesBuilds on: Expresses whole numbers as products of their prime factors; Calculates squares, cubes, square roots and cube roots

Angle relationships and circles

1. Calculates the circumference and area of circlesBuilds on: Uses formulas to find the area of rectangles and triangles (Years 5–6); Adds, subtracts and multiplies decimals (Years 5–6)
2. Finds the area of composite shapesBuilds on: Uses formulas to find the area of rectangles and triangles (Years 5–6); Calculates the circumference and area of circles
3. Calculates the volume of prisms and cylindersBuilds on: Calculates the volume of rectangular prisms (Years 5–6); Calculates the circumference and area of circles
4. Finds unknown angles using angles at a point, on a line and in trianglesBuilds on: Measures and draws angles with a protractor (Years 5–6); Solves one-step linear equations

Length, area and volume (Stage 4)

1. Calculates perimeters of plane shapes, including composite figuresBuilds on: Calculates the perimeter of rectangles and simple shapes (Years 3–4); Adds, subtracts and multiplies decimals (Years 5–6)
2. Uses formulas to find the area of parallelograms, trapeziums, rhombuses and kitesBuilds on: Uses formulas to find the area of rectangles and triangles (Years 5–6)
3. Calculates the volume and capacity of right prisms with various cross-sectionsBuilds on: Calculates the volume of rectangular prisms (Years 5–6); Uses formulas to find the area of parallelograms, trapeziums, rhombuses and kites

Geometrical figures and parallel lines

1. Classifies triangles and quadrilaterals using their side, angle and symmetry propertiesBuilds on: Measures and draws angles with a protractor (Years 5–6)
2. Uses the angle sum of a quadrilateral to find unknown anglesBuilds on: Finds unknown angles using angles at a point, on a line and in triangles; Classifies triangles and quadrilaterals using their side, angle and symmetry properties
3. Finds unknown angles formed when parallel lines are cut by a transversalBuilds on: Finds unknown angles using angles at a point, on a line and in triangles

Right-angled triangles (Pythagoras)

1. Applies Pythagoras' theorem to find unknown sides in right-angled trianglesBuilds on: Finds unknown angles using angles at a point, on a line and in triangles; Calculates squares, cubes, square roots and cube roots

Probability experiments

1. Calculates theoretical probabilities for single-step experimentsBuilds on: Assigns probabilities to simple events as fractions (Years 5–6); Converts between fractions, decimals and percentages (Years 5–6)
2. Runs experiments and compares relative frequency with theoretical probabilityBuilds on: Calculates theoretical probabilities for single-step experiments
3. Uses tables and tree diagrams for two-step experimentsBuilds on: Calculates theoretical probabilities for single-step experiments
4. Uses complementary events to calculate probabilitiesBuilds on: Calculates theoretical probabilities for single-step experiments

Data classification and analysis

1. Classifies data as categorical or numerical, discrete or continuousBuilds on: Collects data and sorts objects into categories (Years 1–2)
2. Chooses appropriate measures of centre and spread, including the effect of outliersBuilds on: Calculates the mean, median, mode and range of a data set (Years 5–6)
3. Constructs and interprets dot plots and stem-and-leaf plotsBuilds on: Classifies data as categorical or numerical, discrete or continuous; Draws and interprets column graphs (Years 3–4)
4. Constructs frequency tables and histograms for numerical dataBuilds on: Classifies data as categorical or numerical, discrete or continuous; Records data in tables using tally marks (Years 3–4)
5. Describes the shape of data distributions, including symmetry, clusters and outliersBuilds on: Constructs and interprets dot plots and stem-and-leaf plots; Chooses appropriate measures of centre and spread, including the effect of outliers