Oracy

Oracy is the ability to express ideas, deepen understanding, and engage with others through spoken communication.

At Ruswarp Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, we believe that spoken language is fundamental to our children’s success. We understand that effective communication and language skills are the roots of achievement in reading and writing, and that strong communication abilities enhance learning across all subjects. Our vision to "Think for Yourself and Act for Others" is embedded in our approach to oracy, encouraging children to develop independent thought while being mindful of their impact on others.

Oracy is central to our curriculum, empowering children to think critically and express their ideas confidently. We foster an environment where children can engage in discussions that allow them to explore diverse perspectives, construct reasoned arguments, and challenge each other’s viewpoints. This not only develops their critical thinking skills but also nurtures empathy and respect for differing opinions. Our goal is to ensure that, by the time they graduate from Ruswarp, all children can communicate effectively and confidently in a variety of contexts, demonstrating both self-advocacy and consideration for their audience.

In teaching oracy, staff at Ruswarp focus on four essential components of oracy, which align with our vision:

1. Physical Aspects – Using voice and body language to communicate effectively, fostering a presence that encourages others.
2. Linguistic Aspects – Structuring speech and selecting appropriate vocabulary to express thoughts clearly and thoughtfully.
3. Cognitive Aspects – Staying focused while speaking and listening, asking relevant questions, and articulating opinions with supporting reasons, encouraging independent thinking.
4. Social & Emotional Aspects – Collaborating with peers, actively listening, responding with empathy, and building confidence in communication, reinforcing the importance of acting for others.

Here is our Vision for Oracy:

Vision for Oracy at Ruswarp Church of England

(Voluntary Controlled) Primary School

At Ruswarp Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, we believe that oracy is an essential skill that serves as the foundation for academic achievement, fosters social and emotional growth, and equips our children for future challenges. We aspire for our children to become articulate communicators who can confidently express their ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and participate in constructive debates. This vision is deeply intertwined with our school ethos of "Think for Yourself and Act for Others," as we aim to cultivate independent thinkers who also consider the perspectives and needs of their peers.

Our Goals for Oracy:

1. Enhancing Communication Skills:
   1. We aim to cultivate effective communicators who can articulate their thoughts clearly and listen actively to others, reflecting our value of thinking for oneself while respecting the viewpoints of others.
   2. Our curriculum will integrate oracy across all subjects, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to practice and develop their spoken language skills, encouraging them to express their ideas while considering the impact on their classmates.
2. Creating a Culture of Talk:
   1. We are committed to fostering a whole-school culture of talk, where dialogue is valued and encouraged in every classroom, reinforcing the importance of acting for others by promoting collaborative discussions.
   2. Teachers will model effective communication strategies and create environments where children feel safe to express their ideas and opinions, fostering a community of mutual respect and understanding.
3. Empowering Teachers:
   1. We will work closely with our partner school, Seton, to provide professional development for all staff, ensuring they are equipped with the confidence and skills to implement oracy as a core pedagogy, which in turn empowers children to think critically and act responsibly in their interactions.
   2. Teachers will engage in collaborative planning and share best practice for integrating oracy into their lessons, promoting a culture of shared learning and support.
4. Promoting Engagement and Participation:
   1. We will implement evidence-based practical classroom activities that encourage all children to participate in discussions, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, which aligns with our commitment to acting for others.
   2. Opportunities for exploratory and presentational talk will be embedded in our teaching to enhance children’s critical thinking and reasoning skills, encouraging them to think independently while considering the perspectives of their peers.
5. Supporting Social and Emotional Development:
   1. We recognise that strong oracy skills contribute to children’s social and emotional well-being, helping them to build relationships and navigate social situations effectively, embodying our ethos of acting for others.
   2. Our approach will include teaching children how to engage in respectful dialogue, manage disagreements, and collaborate with peers, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement:

• We will regularly assess the impact of our oracy initiatives on children’s learning and development, using feedback to refine our approach, ensuring that we are responsive to the needs of our children and the community.
• Our vision is not static; we will adapt and evolve our practice based on the needs of our children and the latest educational research, reinforcing our commitment to thinking critically and acting thoughtfully.

Together, we will empower our children to become confident communicators, ready to thrive in their academic journeys and beyond, all while embodying the principles of thinking for themselves and acting for others.