Oxford English Dictionary for Schools

Extensive and accessible secondary school dictionary for curriculum-focused language support

The Oxford English Dictionary for Schools is designed specifically to assist secondary school students in developing their independent reference skills. It aims to enhance their spelling, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary, making it an invaluable resource for both school and home study, particularly in preparation for GCSEs and Controlled Assessments. The dictionary features an accessible design with clear signposting, allowing students to navigate its contents with ease.

This updated edition includes a wealth of vocabulary aligned with the KS3 curriculum, making it particularly relevant for students gearing up for exams. New entries reflect contemporary language, incorporating terms such as cloud computing, coronavirus, mental health, podcast, web developer, and zero carbon. The dictionary is based on the Oxford Children's Corpus, a unique database that captures millions of words written by and for children, ensuring that the vocabulary is both relatable and challenging.

In addition to its comprehensive definitions, the dictionary offers a variety of features to support vocabulary development. Language panels assist with project work, while related words, antonyms, and usage notes help clarify commonly confused terms. Real example sentences from acclaimed children's and young adult literature illustrate effective language use, featuring excerpts from authors like David Almond and Philip Pullman. For further learning, the accompanying website provides free downloadable resources, word games, and puzzles, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.