Voice 21- Oracy

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. It is a vital life skill which underpins not only academic success but also wellbeing and social mobility. – Voice 21

At Our Lady and St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, we are proud to be part of the Voice 21 project, which we joined in 2024. Through this initiative, we are committed to fostering a talk-rich environment where every child is encouraged to develop the confidence and skills to express themselves clearly and effectively.

We believe every child has the right to be heard and to have their voice valued. Our school provides a safe and supportive space where children can practice their communication skills and articulate their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. From discussions in the classroom to opportunities in assemblies and group work, our pupils are given the tools to thrive as confident communicators.

Why Oracy Matters at Our School

Developing oracy skills equips our pupils with essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. At our school, we recognise the importance of teaching children to express themselves fluently, listen actively, and adapt their speech to suit different audiences. These skills will empower our students to:

• Succeed in future education.

• Build positive relationships by communicating effectively with others.

• Thrive in interviews and professional environments, preparing them for the workplace.

Our Oracy Champions

To ensure oracy is at the heart of our school culture, we have three dedicated Oracy Champions: Mr. Walton, Miss Pearce, and Mrs. Lowry. They work collaboratively with staff and students to embed high-quality oracy practices across all aspects of school life. Our Oracy Champions:

• Support teachers in planning lessons that prioritise speaking and listening.

• Facilitate training to ensure staff can confidently nurture oracy skills.

• Develop innovative ways to make oracy integral to every subject and activity.

What We Do

At Our Lady and St Brendan’s, we integrate oracy in a variety of ways:
1. Talk-Rich Classrooms: Every lesson allows pupils to refine their communication skills from collaborative discussions to structured debates.

2. Performance Opportunities: We encourage pupils to participate in assemblies, plays, and presentations to build confidence in public speaking.

3. Oracy-Focused Curriculum: Our curriculum embeds speaking and listening skills across all subjects, ensuring pupils understand and apply the value of oracy in every context.

4. Inclusive Activities: Every child, regardless of ability or background, is supported in developing their voice, ensuring no one is left behind.

Our Vision for the Future

By nurturing oracy skills, we aim to inspire our pupils to become articulate, empathetic, and active citizens. The ability to communicate effectively will serve them well in school and further education as they transition into the working world and contribute to society.

At Our Lady and St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School, we proudly say: Every child has a voice, and every voice matters.