Welcome to our Linden Oracy page! On this page you will find information about what your child will be learning in this subject and links to relevant websites.  We hope that you find this page useful.

What is Oracy?

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through speaking, listening and communication.

Why is so much importance placed on Oracy?

Research highlights that spoken language skills are one of the strongest predicators of a child’s future life chances. At Linden Primary
School oracy plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of children’s knowledge and skills. We recognise the importance of being able to talk well and learn through talk and the difference that this makes to the outcomes for our pupils. We aim to cultivate children’s oracy skills through the entire curriculum.

Many of our pupils start Linden Primary School with oracy skills below their age-related expectations. With this in mind, oracy has been identified as a key component in bridging the gap. In essence Oracy:

• improves confidence and wellbeing
• improves academic outcomes
• improves literacy development
• equips students to thrive in life and beyond school
• enables all pupils to fulfil their potential
• promotes social equality

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 the route to social mobility, empowering all student, not just some, too find their voice to succeed in school and life. Voice 21

Oracy teaching at Linden Primary School

At Linden Primary school, we teach and develop oracy skills from Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2. The EYFS (Early Year Foundation Stage) Communication strand is followed in early years and Key Stages 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum objectives for Spoken Language. We also have our own oracy progression statements. These are used to ensure progression of oracy skills from early years to the end of Key Stage 2. These have been developed by drawing from Voice 21’s framework, which encompasses four key areas: physical, linguistic, cognitive and social and emotional development. Teachers carefully plan regular and purposeful opportunities which are talk-rich. Through age specific talk frames, extensive teaching of subject specific and general vocabulary children and carefully planned questions children will be able to articulate and express themselves effectively and confidently.

Opportunities for pupils to develop and showcase their oracy skills outside of the curriculum are provided. These are achieved through pupil voice groups, year group productions, assemblies, visiting speakers, topic events and participation in local events.

Impact

The impact of oracy is clearly visible throughout the school. At Linden Primary School children are fluent speakers who embrace
opportunities to speak in a range of situations. They are confident to communicate, debate and present in a range of situations. All
children are more engaged with learning and continually develop the tools, knowledge and confidence to flourish personally and
academically.