O​racy

T​he person responsible for developing Oracy at our school is Mr A McNamara.

At Yew Tree Primary Academy oracy is essential in teaching and learning.

The ability to listen actively, speak clearly and communicate articulately is seen as a fundamental part of the learning process. Critically, Oracy underpins the development of reading and writing, and is key to progress in all subjects.

Oracy gives every child the opportunity to find their voice; to articulate  their ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly and coherently and develops understanding. Effective communication helps every child to fulfil their potential and flourish in their school life and beyond, regardless of their background.

We endeavour to give every learner, under our provision, this opportunity.

Our Oracy curriculum is underpinned by the Oracy Framework created by Voice 21.

The Oracy framework uses four vital strands; physical, linguistic, cognitive and social and emotional.

Through a high quality Oracy education, students learn through talk and learn to talk.

The use of carefully planned, modelled and scaffolded talk in the classroom heightens subject knowledge and understanding for our learners.

The Oracy framework 

At Yew Tree Primary Academy we strive to develop Oracy skills through the curriculum, extra-curricular activities and the whole ethos of the school. Oracy can be described as a combination of learning to talk and learning through talk.

At Yew Tree Primary Academy there is a shared understanding of how talk supports learning and children’s social development. We believe that developing oracy throughout primary education provides our children with vital life skills.

We aim to encourage fluent speakers, who are confident to communicate, debate and present in a wide range of situations. The National Curriculum for English reflects the importance of spoken language in pupils’ development.

Oracy is embedded throughout our broad and balanced curriculum. Lessons are talk-rich, and questions are carefully planned to ensure all children can fully participate. Pupils participate in a wide range of Oracy activities which help them to develop confidence in spoken language.

Some examples are:

• Partner talk
• Group discussion
• Collaborative work and problem solving
• Debate
• Role play
• Drama
• Presentations

P​rogression of Skills in Oracy