Oracy

If you would like to come along to one of our Oracy Open Mornings to see oracy in action, please complete this form and we will be in touch.

Intent

We believe that spoken language is an essential tool for our children to become model citizens of tomorrow. Oracy is embedded throughout our whole curriculum and is a key driver in all that we do. Teachers set high expectations and model the correct use of Oracy for our children to allow them to become confident speakers for a range of different purposes and audiences. Teaching a set of core skills which progress throughout their time at Hazelbury allows children to develop year on year.

All teachers in the school set high expectations for talk, value every child’s voice, teach Oracy explicitly throughout the curriculum, harness Oracy to elevate learning and appraise progress in Oracy. Through these the school further develops a culture of Oracy across Hazelbury from our EYFS through to KS2.

We aim to to improve the level of oracy skills for all of our children allowing them to to articulate their thoughts and feelings confidently and realise their full potential. We teach a range of skills that will enable children to develop their speaking, through the following strands: physical, linguistic, cognitive and social emotional. it is important for children learn the fundamental talking skills which will help support them in all areas of their learning.

Implement

Working alongside Voice 21, as a centre of excellence, our aim is to develop and encourage fluent speakers, giving children the opportunities to express themselves through a wide range of contexts. We encourage children to speak with confidence and clarity while recognising the importance of listening and collaborating with others. We ensure that children are exposed to and are developing a high-level of vocabulary by learning new ambitious words each week.

Teachers implement a range of activities within the classroom that will enable children to learn through talk and learn to talk. Pupils have a variety of Oracy opportunities both exploratory and presentational. All lessons allow for exploratory discussional talk using our ‘Can we just talk’ and children are confident at using their talk tactics to build and challenge the ideas of others. There are also planned opportunities for presentational talk throughout the curriculum ensuring children develop their confidence and are prepared for their future. Oracy skills (from our Oracy progression map) are taught explicitly and developed throughout lessons and ‘Curiosity Cubes’ are used to instigate talk and discussions.

Impact

With Oracy at the forefront of our thinking, children are able to express themselves in a variety of contexts and can share their ideas; listen to those of others; build on ideas; challenge others respectfully and are willing to change their viewpoint. Progression through Oracy allows children to become independent learners that strive to achieve the best of their ability in everything they do.

The impact of teaching oracy:

Increases pupil confidence in all areas of the curriculum
Improves academic outcomes
Fosters wellbeing
Gives the essential skills for children to thrive in life beyond school.
Promotes social equity

Pupils will have proficient oracy skills and be able to use language to communicate confidently, fluently and articulately. With this aspect of cultural capital, our children will be able to positively contribute to their society both now and in the future.