Aims

At Stivichall, our vision for oracy equips students with lifelong skills for academic, personal and professional success. We believe that effective communication is a vital skill for success. By embedding oracy into the fabric of our school’s culture, we will equip our students with the confidence and competence to communicate in a wide range of contexts - both in their future academic studies and in their personal and professional lives beyond school. In our approach, we aspire for every child to leave our school with the skills they need to thrive in a global society.

Curriculum

At Stivichall, we deliver an oracy curriculum that encourages pupils to learn to talk, learn through talk and learn to listen. As a school working with Voice 21, oracy is not a standalone subject but is woven throughout our teaching and learning, supporting the social, emotional and academic development of every child.

Our curriculum is structured around the four key strands of oracy - physical, linguistic, cognitive and social & emotional - which provide a clear framework for progression from Early Years through to Year 6. Expectations and objectives for each year group are carefully mapped out, explicitly taught and appraised across the school year ensuring that pupils build confidence and competence in speaking and listening over time.

As part of our ‘100 Things’ pledge, pupils apply the oracy skills they have learned by engaging in presentational talk when leading whole-school assemblies, presenting at school events and taking on leadership roles in extra-curricular activities. Through these opportunities, pupils truly embody our children’s motto:

“Use your voice to change the world.”

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), daily Drawing Club sessions provide rich opportunities for children to explore new vocabulary and language through imaginative stories and creative expression.

Across the school, pupils further develop their speaking and listening through ‘Philosophy for Children’ (P4C) sessions and weekly ‘Sticky Questions’ discussions. These sessions encourage children to share ideas, listen actively and value the perspectives of others, nurturing thoughtful, respectful and articulate communicators.

Our extra-curricular activities, including Stivichall Radio, extend learning beyond the classroom and offer authentic experiences for pupils to showcase their growing confidence and mastery in oracy.

Through this rich and carefully planned provision, oracy at Stivichall empowers every child to find their voice, articulate their thinking and communicate effectively in a range of contexts, preparing them to truly use their voice to change the world.

Outcomes

At Stivichall, our comprehensive oracy curriculum enables pupils to become confident and effective communicators. They develop the ability to express their ideas clearly and listen thoughtfully, adapting their language to suit different audiences and purposes. Pupils gain valuable experience presenting to a variety of groups, from classroom peers to parents and visitors, building resilience and leadership skills along the way. They listen actively and respond thoughtfully, showing respect for others’ viewpoints and contributing meaningfully to group conversations and debates. These communication skills support their academic progress and personal growth, preparing them to engage confidently in the wider world.

Extending learning beyond school

We believe that oracy skills thrive when children have opportunities to practise speaking and listening in a variety of real-life situations. Learning does not stop at the classroom door - parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children to build their confidence and communication skills at home and in the community. Here are some simple ways to extend oracy learning beyond school:

• Family discussions - encourage regular conversations at mealtimes or during journeys, where children can share their thoughts, stories or opinions.
• Storytelling and reading aloud – invite your child to retell stories, act out characters or read books aloud to family members.
• Community activities – involve your child in clubs, sports teams or local groups where they can practice teamwork and speaking in different settings.
• Public speaking practice - encourage your child to prepare short talks or presentations for family events, celebrations or even video calls with relatives.
• Listening games - play games that develop active listening, like ‘Simon Says,’ or sharing ‘what happened next’ in stories.
• Sticky questions at home -discuss the thought-provoking questions that your child brings home at the dinner table to build reasoning and listening skills.