Oracy

At St Patrick’s, our mission is to cultivate an oracy-rich community where every member possesses the skills to communicate effectively. We aim to empower individuals to believe in the power of their voice, fostering a sense of value and active listening throughout our community. We are dedicated to the belief that all children should have the opportunity to develop the ability to reason, negotiate, present, and explore ideas confidently. These skills are not only crucial for their learning across diverse subjects but also essential in preparing them for the complexities of modern life in Britain.

In 2023, we became Voice 21 school: we initiated collaboration with the Oracy Education Charity, Voice 21. Our focus is on purposeful, clear, and organized teaching of oracy skills across all levels and subjects, aimed at aiding children and young individuals in advancing in the four aspects of oracy as outlined in the oracy framework.

The oracy framework serves as a guide to the oral communication skills and knowledge students should acquire throughout their school years. It aids in recognising strengths and areas for improvement, enabling precise planning for effective communication and facilitating reflective discussions.

During our initial year with Voice 21, we are concentrating on refining our classroom methods by crafting oracy charters and introducing the oracy framework and conversation strategies. In the future, we are committed to further enhancing our curriculum to ensure it is rich in opportunities for effective oral expression.

Each half term we will be focussing on a new oracy skill. See below.