By taking part in the challenge, students learn about citizenship and politics, improve their speaking and listening skills, and have the opportunity to engage with members of their community.

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It also noted that children must be provided with a solid foundation in socialisation, listening and speaking skills, and fine motor skills before proceeding to the demands of reading and writing.

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The OCR, meanwhile, is setting up a Language Ladder, starting at primary school, to assess children's skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

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