Oracy - Voice 21

Oracy at Netherhall St James CE (VC) Infant and Nursery School

Intent

Netherhall St James CE (VC) Infant and Nursery School are a Voice 21 school. The rationale behind becoming joining Voice 21 was to develop the oracy skills of every student.

Our Vision Statement

Our school vision at Netherhall St James CE (VC) Infant and Nursery School is for Oracy to enable children to have the tools to become confident and effective communicators. Giving every child a voice.

What is Oracy?

Oracy is the ability to communicate effectively using spoken language. It is the ability to speak eloquently, having the confidence to express views, articulate ideas and thoughts and influence other people through talking. A key component of oracy is listening to other people when they are speaking and reflecting on their ideas and opinions.

Why is Oracy important?

Oracy plays a very big role in our school, as we believe it is an integral part of helping our children with their learning.

By focusing on oracy, both within and outside the classroom, we hope to achieve the following:

• To increase students’ confidence.
• To enhance students’ wellbeing by being able to voice their wants and needs.
• To narrow gaps in education and promote equality.
• To develop students’ writing skills, rehearsing their sentences by saying them before writing produces more structured and accurate work.
• To improve students’ academic outcomes. Research from the Education Endowment Endowment Foundation suggests that focusing on Oracy in school can add an additional 5 months of progress for each child.
• To enable students to thrive beyond school and to be a successful member of society.

How does Oracy work in the classroom?

We have weekly explicit Oracy lessons where children learn skills that are transferrable in all areas of learning. There is a new discussion starter each week where children have to decide whether they agree or disagree, then use different grouping to help them to rehearse their answer and borrow ideas from their friends if they are finding it tricky themselves. Then after lots of rehearsing to build confidence, each child has a turn to share their thoughts to the class.

Below are the different grouping we use to support children being able to rehearse their ideas.

  

Our Oracy Guidelines

• Look at the person you are talking to
• Use a clear voice
• Take turns
• Be a good listener

Above are our Oracy guidelines that children must adhere to when talking. These are basic skills that are needed in order to communicate effectively.

A variety of Oracy opportunities are shared on ClassDojo by your child’s teacher and Dojo points awarded for following the Oracy Guidelines.

This is our Oracy Road Map that lists some of the Oracy experiences that we have in school, however Oracy practise remains forefront in daily teaching also with countless opportunities for students to practise and gain confidence in their Oracy abilities.

 

For more information, please contact Miss Prest, Voice 21 School Lead.