Oracy
At Penistone St John the Baptist Primary School, we believe that oracy is a vital life skill that underpins academic achievement, personal development and future success. We are committed to ensuring that every child develops the confidence, vocabulary and communication skills needed to express themselves clearly, listen actively and engage positively with others. Through a carefully planned and progressive whole-school approach, oracy is embedded across all areas of the curriculum and school life.
Our framework is built around three key pillars: Talk in the Early Years, Talk for Life and Talk for Learning. From Early Years onwards, children are immersed in a language-rich environment that promotes vocabulary development, storytelling, discussion and meaningful interaction. As pupils progress through school, they develop the ability to communicate for different audiences and purposes, articulate their thinking, collaborate effectively and participate in purposeful discussion and debate.
We place a strong emphasis on the explicit teaching of vocabulary, structured talk routines and high-quality speaking and listening opportunities in every classroom. Pupils learn to use language to deepen their understanding, solve problems, regulate emotions and build positive relationships. Through consistent modelling, carefully planned opportunities for discussion and a culture where every voice is valued, we help pupils become confident, articulate and respectful communicators, prepared for lifelong learning and active participation in society.
Our key oracy principles are:
- Oracy is for everyone: every child should be given opportunities to have their voice heard and develop the skills needed to express themselves.
- Everyone has a part to play in helping children to develop their oral language skills.
- Oracy is vital to the curriculum, and also to children's confidence and wellbeing.
- Oracy can unlock reading, writing and a broader vocabulary; talking is an essential part of these processes.
- Early identification of speech and language barriers is key, enabling us to support children early in their education journey.
Learning to talk, talking for life.
Teaching Approach Oracy.pdf Penistone St John's Oracy Intent 26-27.docx Penistone St John's ECM_Oracy_Policy.docx
