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Disciplinary literacy in primary schools: Reading, writing and speaking across the curriculum

On sale

22nd August 2025

Price: £16

Selected:  Paperback / ISBN-13: 9781036006303

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Reviews

Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive Chartered College of Teaching
This is quite simply excellent. Wilkinson has studied the use of spoken and written language across the curriculum in a powerful and deep study of disciplinary literacy. I highly recommend this to teachers everywhere regardless of phase.
Mary Myatt, education writer and speaker
This is an extraordinarily important and important book for the primary sector. Underpinned by extensive research, it's also full of beautiful examples of how to help all our pupils to engage with the deep subject matter of a rich curriculum. If leaders and teachers in primary schools use this, engagement, enjoyment and outcomes will increase on all measures.
James Taylor, Deputy Headteacher, High View Primary School
An invaluable book for any school wishing to embed Disciplinary Literacy. The book explores the key theories behind Disciplinary Literacy, whilst also providing practical guidance as to what this can look like in the classroom.
Áine Donegan, Deputy Headteacher, Allfarthing Primary School
Wilkinson skilfully examines disciplinary literacy within the primary sector, emphasising the importance of developing schema through high quality thinking, discussion, reading, and writing across various subject disciplines. The book includes practical implementation ideas, case studies, and an exploration of curriculum design aimed at removing barriers and promoting educational equity for all students. This is an essential read for school leaders.
Alex Quigley, author and Head of Content & Engagement for the Education Endowment Foundation
Disciplinary Literacy in Primary Schools' is a brilliant distillation of an important topic for teachers and leaders. Disciplinary literacy is not always well understood, so this is a timely and valuable book that will prove a boon for busy teachers seeking to develop the literacy knowledge and skills of their pupils. It skillfully synthesises a range of vital literacy topics - from reading, writing, to vocabulary and disciplinary talk - including research, practical tips, and helpful case studies. If you want your pupils to flourish with writing in history, reading in science, or talking in mathematics, then this is the book for you.
Yamina Bibi, Author and Former Senior Leader
What I found incredibly powerful about this brilliant book was how Shareen translates theory into practice providing ways for colleagues, both primary and secondary, to apply the key ideas shared immediately. The chapters on Disciplinary Literacy and Equity, Diversity and Standard English as well as the subject specific examples were so enlightening and exceptional! I recommend this book to everyone interested in enhancing Disciplinary Literacy practice in schools.
Fahri Francis, Headteacher, Franciscan Primary School
Shareen Wilkinson offers a deeply practical and insightful guide for embedding spoken and written language across the curriculum. Her work empowers school leaders with clear strategies to help pupils access, understand and express complex ideas in every subject. A valuable resource for any school committed to equity and excellence.
Maddy Barnes, Executive Director of English for The Three Saints Trust and English Advisor
The primary sector has waited a long time for a 'disciplinary literacy book' that embeds both traditional evidence and finger-on-the-pulse research alongside a wealth of authentic case studies. Wilkinson has managed to draw all of these key ingredients together with a huge helping of common sense. Primary leaders and teachers will welcome a book that values everything that is prioritised in primary schools in such a succinct yet inspiring way. Every subject leader in primary will reach for Wilkinson's work to ensure that children thrive across the curriculum.