Oracy

Intent

At The Gates, Oracy is a fundamental entitlement for all pupils and is central to learning across the curriculum. We recognise spoken language as a powerful tool for thinking, learning, identity formation and social participation. We value the rich and diverse communicative resources pupils bring to school and support every child to become a confident, thoughtful and effective communicator.

Our approach is informed by the work of Professor Julia Snell and the Voice 21 Oracy Framework and recognises oracy as learning to talk, through talk and about talk.  

• Develop pupils' confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.
• Deepen understanding through purposeful classroom talk.
• Enable pupils to articulate ideas, challenge thinking and co-construct knowledge.
• Value and celebrate all voices, accents, dialects, home languages and communication styles.
• Promote socially just and inclusive learning experiences.
• Equip pupils to participate fully and equitably in society.

Implementation

• Safe, inclusive classrooms where all pupils feel confident to share their views, take risks and make mistakes.
• Consistent whole-school oracy routines and expectations.
• The use of Talk Tokens and The Gates Talk Toolkit to encourage equitable participation, active listening and accountable talk.
• Partner talk, group discussion and dialogic teaching approaches that deepen thinking and learning.
• Cooperative learning structures, including Kagan strategies, which ensure all pupils are actively involved.
• Opportunities to orally rehearse ideas, justify reasoning, debate, present and perform for a range of audiences and purposes.
• Reading fluency approaches such as echo reading, choral reading and paired reading to strengthen speaking and listening skills.
• Explicit teaching of vocabulary and language structures to support confident communication.
• Inclusive practices that recognise and value pupils' diverse language resources, identities and experiences.
• Regular opportunities for pupils to develop the cognitive, linguistic, physical and social and emotional dimensions of communication.

Impact

Through a consistent and inclusive approach to oracy, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate effectively across a range of contexts. They learn to express ideas clearly, listen actively, build on the contributions of others and engage in meaningful dialogue.

• Develop a rich and ambitious vocabulary and use language purposefully.
• Communicate with increasing confidence, clarity and independence.
• Think critically, justify opinions and articulate their reasoning.
• Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to different perspectives.
• Collaborate effectively and contribute positively to discussions.
• Build positive relationships through respectful and purposeful communication.
• Develop confidence in their own identity, voice and experiences.
• Recognise and value diverse voices, languages, dialects and viewpoints.
• Become resilient learners who are willing to take risks, ask questions and challenge thinking.

By the time pupils leave The Gates, they are confident, effective and reflective communicators who can use their voice with purpose and impact. They possess the communication skills, critical awareness and self-belief needed to succeed in further education, employment and active participation in society.