Blog Article: Let us speak about the Importance of Oracy

Speech is central to a child’s ability to learn, but it is multi-faceted.  A report by the Sutton Trust shone a light on the need for high - quality oracy education for every child. Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. It refers to the ability to communicate effectively through speech, and it involves using language to express thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and to interact with others clearly, coherently, and appropriately.

At IPS this year, we are focusing on oracy and how we will develop it across the school. Talk underpins all learning at IPS, where we believe each child is unique and has their own unique voice. We see oracy as a way for all members of our school community to feel valued and for children to learn what it means to be an active contributor in society. We also know that oracy helps pupils develop and deepen their subject knowledge and critical thinking skills in all areas of the curriculum, which is fundamental to their attainment.

This year we are implementing the Voice 21 Oracy Framework, which demonstrates the difference between being able to project your voice to the back of a room (physical), structuring your speech and conveying your meaning (cognitive) and being aware of your audience and their level of understanding (social and emotional). 

Our focus this term is to introduce this framework to pupils, in an age-appropriate way, and with a particular focus on listening as well as speaking. Each class will develop discussion guidelines as well as a listening ladder to support their oracy in lessons. 

Effective orators possess emotional intelligence. By harnessing emotional intelligence, we can connect with others around us on a deeper level and deliver impactful messages. At IPS we want every child to have that voice, but partnered with the emotional intelligence to understand their voice holds weight and value, and must be used wisely.

written by Maeve Doherty

UKS2 Phase Leader