Prof Piret Soodla and Dr Maris Jukkam from Tallinn University, Estonia, Dr Kristján Ketill Stefánsson from the University of Iceland and Þóranna Rósa Ólafsdóttir from Rimaskóli, Iceland recently spent time at the academy to learn more about approaches to vocabulary development currently being used in England as part of a wider programme of activity led by Nottingham Trent University.
The visit focused on Starling Vocabulary, a research-informed programme co-developed by Aaron Jordan, Year 6 Teacher and Assistant Head Teacher at Millfield L.E.A.D. Academy, working in partnership with Dr Emma Vardy, Associate Professor of Nottingham Trent University.
Starling is designed to help pupils develop a deeper understanding of language by recognising when they do not know a word, asking for support and using new vocabulary with confidence. The programme has been so successful that it has been rolled out in schools beyond L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, and adapted for use in secondary schools including Da Vinci Academy.
At Da Vinci Academy, visitors observed the programme being used in lessons and spoke with staff about how a structured focus on vocabulary, oracy and self-regulation supports students’ confidence and comprehension across the curriculum.
The visit also forms part of early collaborative work on a potential EU funding application to trial both Starling Vocabulary and the PALS approach in schools in the UK, Iceland and Estonia, building shared evidence about effective ways to close vocabulary gaps.
“Vocabulary underpins everything our students do in school, from reading and writing, to speaking with confidence and understanding others. It was a pleasure to show Starling Vocabulary in action and to talk with colleagues from Iceland and Estonia about how a clear, consistent approach to language can support pupils’ oracy, confidence and learning. Opportunities like this allow us to reflect on our own practice while contributing to wider professional learning beyond our school and trust.”
“Starling is an innovative programme devised in partnership with L.E.A.D Academy to transform young people’s vocabulary knowledge. We know that language equals life chances; Starling helps young people to harness the power of words by unlocking the spoken and written world around them. We are delighted to be working with Da Vinci Academy to showcase Starling to international colleagues from Iceland and Estonia.”
