Literacy focuses on developing each child’s ability to understand and use language as an integral part of learning in all areas in order to interact effectively with the world around them, to express themselves creatively and to communicate confidently (through talking and listening, reading and writing) using a variety of skills and media. Language and Literacy are fundamental prerequisites for thinking, learning and interacting in personal, social and work contexts throughout life. Literacy is therefore a key to learning as well as a key to enjoyment and personal growth. 

Language and Literacy is one of the six Areas of Learning in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.  It is considered a holistic way of taking into account the integral nature of Talking and Listening and Reading and Writing. These skills are used to extend across all other areas of the curriculum.

 

The statutory curriculum for Language and Literacy is structured as follows:

 

Foundation Stage: 

Pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Attention and Listening Skills
• Phonological Awareness
• Social use of Language
• Language and Thinking
• An Extended Vocabulary
• Reading
• Writing

 

Key Stages 1 & 2: 

Pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• Talking and Listening
• Reading
• Writing