Handing out the keys to language learning

Understanding language is the key to unlocking learning. Unfortunately, not all learners possess the language skills vital for attainment – the keys are not handed out fairly. As educators, an essential aspect of our role must be providing these language keys and, in doing so, we can help students unlock new learning and go some way to closing the attainment gap. But where should we as science teachers start? What language do they need to learn chemistry? This article describes what is taught in primary and examines the strategies to use with vocabulary in science at secondary school.