Oracy, as defined by Voice 21, is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through speaking, listening and communication. It is a vital tool for learning, enabling children to deepen their thinking, collaborate with others and build the confidence to express themselves clearly.

At St Mary’s Primary School, we place oracy at the heart of our curriculum by creating regular, structured opportunities for pupils to talk, listen and reflect across all subjects. Through carefully planned discussion, partner talk, presentations and collaborative learning, we explicitly teach the skills of effective communication, drawing on the Voice 21 Oracy Framework to support progression in speaking and listening. In doing so, we live out our school values: encouraging children to be Confidently me by finding and using their voice; fostering Belonging together through respectful listening and inclusive dialogue; and ensuring pupils are Challenged to contribute by sharing ideas, asking questions and engaging thoughtfully with others.