Oracy

Why talk matters

At St John's, we believe that learning to talk well is as important as learning to read and write. Children who can explain their ideas, listen carefully, ask good questions and disagree politely do better at school and in life. Oracy runs through every subject, not just English.

How we teach oracy

  •        The Voice 21 Oracy Framework. We teach the four strands of talk: physical (voice and body language), linguistic (choosing the right words), cognitive (building and challenging ideas) and social and emotional (listening and working with others).
  •        A focus every half term. Each year group has an oracy focus for each half term, set out in our English long-term plan. Teachers model it, children practise it, and it is used across subjects.
  •        Talk through drama. Mantle of the Expert gives children real reasons to talk: expert meetings, questioning characters in role, debates and presentations.
  •        Real audiences. Many units end with children presenting to families, partners or the community.
  •        An Oracy Lead supports staff, and oracy is part of our ongoing staff training.

Oracy across the school: some examples

Year

Focus

Where you'll see it

Year 2

Building on each other's ideas

Coast Rescue Crew meetings: "I agree with ___ and I want to add…"

Year 3

Summarising a discussion

Putting Socrates on trial, then summing up both sides before the jury votes

Year 3

Reaching shared agreement

Deciding how a busy Greek island should welcome visitors

Year 4

Using specialist language to describe talk

Giving feedback during rehearsals for a play about Benwell's coal pits

Year 5

Speaking with flair and passion

Presenting why rainforests matter to a real audience

At home

  •        Talk at mealtimes: ask "What do you think, and why?"
  •        Encourage your child to explain something they have learned to someone else in the family.