Oracy

What is Oracy? 

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. In school, oracy is a vital tool for learning; by teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. Oracy skills are also foundational to reading and writing and are essential in the development of "Good speech, language and communication skills."  (English-Speaking Union, 2023)

Here at St Mary's, we are passionate believers in the spoken language being essential to the development and achievement of our children across the curriculum. We strive to develop spoken language

skills through the taught curriculum, vehicles, playtimes and lunchtimes, extra-curricular clubs, pupil leadership opportunities and thorough out the whole ethos of the school. We are a critical thinking and effective communication school. They are our essential drivers. Children are taught how to be effective communicators through oracy based vehicles and  lesson pedagogy's that feature skills such as storytelling, discussions, choral reading, debating and presenting. Research tells us that exceptional oracy skills, promote improvements in reading, writing, and overall attainment (Voice 21)

Here at St Mary's we strive to foster a learning environment where respectful oracy takes place. Pupils are actively engaged in good speaking and listening in all aspects of the school.  Correct spoken language and development of vocabulary is fundamental to learning. Speaking and listening play a large part in a child’s progress in all curriculum areas and teachers plan to develop these skills in a wide variety of ways. We aim to develop and encourage fluent speakers, with a rich vocabulary, who are confident to operate and articulate themselves in a broad range of situations. 

As a multi-academy we have utilised the Voice21 research, in particular, we have focused on the key ground rules for 

effective speech. These are 

non negotiable rules and

expectations of all of our young 

people. 

What can parents and carers do to support children to develop their oracy skills at home?

• Talk to your child. This can be about anything at all such as how their day was at school.
• In an age of mobile phones, computers and tablets, opportunities for parents/carers and children to talk to each other can be easily lost. Make a special time each day where any electronic devices are put away and the focus is on conversation instead. This could be on the walk to or from school or during meal times.
• Ask your child questions about what they say and encourage them to ask you questions too!
• Having regular conversations with your child in your home language is also very valuable in terms of developing your child’s oracy skills so please do not worry if your first language is not English.

​​​​​​​Click on this link for some ideas of activities for you to complete with your child.

What does the research say?

Research indicates that an oracy-focused curriculum has plentiful benefits for pupils including: raising academic attainment, developing social and emotional skills and improving life chances, particularly for the most vulnerable of pupils. 

Please click on the links below to read some of the relevant research which has helped us on our Oracy journey.