At Overchurch Junior School, we want our children to leave us as confident, skilled orators who value and respect everyone’s voice and can contribute to the wider community.

We endeavour to offer our children a wealth of opportunities which develop and embed a culture of oracy in our school. We do this through our exciting curriculum, extra-curricular activities and inter school competitions we participate in.

Understanding oracy

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language.

In school, oracy is a powerful tool for learning; by teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. It is also a route to social mobility, empowering all students, not just some, to find their voice to succeed in school and life.

The-Oracy-Framework-2021

Why oracy matters

A high-quality oracy education is vital to not only improve academic outcomes of students but also to foster their confidence and wellbeing.

Why does a high-quality oracy education matter?

Spoken language skills are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future life chances but too many children are not given the opportunity to develop these crucial skills.

Oracy throughout the school

Voice 21 Progression Grid

Voice 21 Upper School Progression

In Year 5, as part of our Steps to Read lessons the children have the opportunity to perform poetry. During these sessions, we focus on the social and emotional strand of the Oracy Framework and encourage the children to speak with flair and passion when reading aloud the poem.

Here is a Year 5 child reading aloud his poem using the oracy framework to enhance his delivery of the poem.