What is Oracy?

Oracy refers to the ability to speak and listen effectively. It encompasses a range of skills, including the capacity to articulate thoughts clearly, engage in discussions, and actively listen to others. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to communicate confidently and effectively is paramount. Oracy skills not only enhance academic achievement but also equip children with the tools necessary to succeed in future employment and social settings.

Hollywell Oracy Vision:

At Hollywell, we envisage that oracy will inspire and empower all children to have a lifelong love of learning through the power of talk. By learning to talk and learning through talk, our pupils will develop the skills to listen actively, articulate their own ideas confidently, participate in discussions constructively and question and challenge the world around them - equipping them for future academic and social success! 

At Hollywell Primary School we are part of the Voice 21 Oracy Project. We believe that spoken language is essential in the development and achievement of all children across our school. More information can be found about the Voice 21 project here: Voice 21 | Oracy | United Kingdom

The Oracy Framework shown below provides a structure through which we can understand what constitutes good speaking and listening in different contexts. These are being expanded through our in-class ‘Discussion Guidelines’ and ‘Talk Tactics’, which are being used to develop the children’s skills in these 4 key areas.

What are the benefits of an Oracy education?

Oracy Fosters well-being, supporting children to build successful relationships, talk through issues, express feelings and resolve conflicts.

Oracy improves academic outcomes, developing learners who can think critically, reason together and have the vocabulary to express their knowledge and understanding. At Hollywell we want all children to be active participants in their learning journey and see strong oracy skills as key to learning to and through talk.

Oracy empowers children to believe that their voice has value, developing the ability to articulate thoughts so others will listen.

Oracy equips children to thrive in life beyond school, helping them to progress, access employment and society. Oracy is important for employment - and discussion and debate are central to democratic life. The oracy skills needed to discuss complex or emotive issues with honesty and compassion are critical.

Oracy narrows gaps enabling disadvantaged students to fulfil their potential and supports in closing the gap. Children from economically advantaged backgrounds, on average, start school ahead of their disadvantaged peers in terms of language and communication skills. In contrast, a high-quality oracy education can help to narrow this gap, breaking the link between a child’s start in life, and their future success.