Abbotskerswell Oracy at Abbotskerswell School
Every Voice Matters
At Abbotskerswell Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop their voice, share their ideas and communicate with confidence. Oracy is therefore at the heart of our vision for learning and personal development.
We are proud to be a Voice 21 school, joining a national movement committed to ensuring that all children receive a high-quality oracy education. Voice 21 promotes the teaching of speaking and listening as essential life skills, recognising that a child’s ability to communicate effectively has a significant impact on their learning, wellbeing and future success. Voice 21 defines oracy as "the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language."
What is Oracy?
Oracy is the ability to communicate effectively through spoken language. It involves both learning to talk and learning through talk, enabling children to express their thoughts clearly, listen carefully to others, ask questions, justify opinions and work collaboratively.
At Abbotskerswell, we teach children how to become confident speakers, active listeners and thoughtful communicators. We believe that talk is a powerful tool for learning, helping children to deepen their understanding, develop their thinking and make sense of the world around them.
Why Oracy Matters
Research and practice show that high-quality oracy education can:
- Increase confidence and self-belief.
- Improve academic outcomes.
- Strengthen wellbeing.
- Support children to build positive relationships.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prepare children for future education, employment and life beyond school.
As a Voice 21 school, we recognise that communication is as fundamental as reading and writing. By providing rich opportunities for discussion, collaboration, presentation and reflection, we help children develop the skills they need to succeed both now and in the future.
Our Approach to Oracy
Oracy is not taught in isolation. It is woven throughout school life and is a key part of our classroom practice, enrichment opportunities and wider curriculum.
Children are encouraged to:
- Share and explain their ideas confidently.
- Listen respectfully and respond thoughtfully.
- Build on the views of others.
- Ask purposeful questions.
- Engage in meaningful discussion and debate.
- Present to a range of audiences.
- Reflect on and improve their communication skills.
We create classrooms where every voice is valued and where children feel safe to contribute, take risks and learn from one another. This culture of respectful dialogue helps children develop confidence and resilience while fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Oracy and Our School Values
Our commitment to oracy supports each of our school values.
Respectful
Children learn to listen carefully, value different viewpoints and engage in discussions with kindness and courtesy. They understand that being a good communicator starts with being a good listener.
Responsible
Children learn to communicate thoughtfully, take ownership of their contributions and understand how their words can have a positive impact on others.
Successful
Strong communication skills support success across all aspects of learning. Children develop the confidence to explain their thinking, justify their opinions and articulate their ideas clearly.
Happy
When children feel heard and valued, they develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Oracy helps children build positive relationships and thrive within our school community.
What We Want for Our Children
Through our oracy-rich curriculum and our commitment as a Voice 21 school, we aim for every child to leave Abbotskerswell Primary School able to:
- Communicate confidently and effectively.
- Listen with understanding and empathy.
- Express ideas clearly and thoughtfully.
- Think critically and reason logically.
- Collaborate successfully with others.
- Speak appropriately for different audiences and purposes.
- Advocate for themselves and others.
- Be ready for the next stage of their education and beyond.
At Abbotskerswell Primary School, we believe that developing children's voices helps shape confident learners, respectful citizens and successful future members of society. By nurturing oracy every day, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to be Happy, Respectful, Responsible and Successful.
"Every child has a voice, and every voice matters."