Children's learning and progress in other subjects often depend on what they know and understand and can do in English.

At the same time, these subjects provide a rich source of stimulus and motivation for children improving their English skills. Learning is enhanced in both subjects.

The following skills are particularly important.

Speaking and listening skills

Children use a variety of skills, including:

• asking and answering questions about an issue or topic
• describing or explaining a process
• planning, organising and discussing tasks in groups
• presenting a point of view and engaging in debate
• using role play and drama to gain an insight into motives and the reasons for actions and events.

Reading skills

Children use a variety of skills, including:

• selecting texts appropriate to a topic
• scanning texts to find relevant information
• extracting, inferring and deducing meaning
• gaining an appreciation of feelings, moods and emotions relevant to the topic.

Writing skills

Children use a variety of skills, including:

• learning key subject terminology
• using various text-types to explain, inform, persuade, express feelings and generate creative ideas
• writing clearly and accurately for a variety of purposes.

Embedding these skills in other subjects makes a real difference to learning. Lessons are more interesting and enjoyable and children are more motivated and can see the relevance of their learning across the curriculum.