Oracy

Oracy Intent Statement 

At the Federation of Bursledon Schools, our intent is to transform the learning and life chances of every child through the power of talk. We believe that oracy is fundamental to academic success, personal growth and social inclusion. By embedding oracy into our pedagogy and the Bursledon Teaching Sequence, we ensure that children learn to talk and learn through talk.

Our oracy curriculum is designed to:

• Empower every child to find and use their voice with confidence
• Promote academic achievement through purposeful, structured talk
• Foster social confidence, collaboration, and inclusion
• Close the communication gap by explicitly teaching speaking and listening skills

Through high expectations, inclusive practices, and a commitment to valuing every voice, we aim to develop articulate, thoughtful, and effective communicators who are equipped for lifelong success.

Our Vision

Oracy at The Federation of Bursledon Schools

At the Federation of Bursledon Schools, we are dedicated to developing confident, articulate communicators. We believe that every child should be given meaningful opportunities to express themselves across a range of contexts, using clear and confident speech, while also learning the value of active listening and collaborative dialogue.

Language development and vocabulary enrichment are at the heart of our curriculum. We aim to strengthen oracy skills throughout all year groups, enabling children to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas with clarity and assurance. Our approach is underpinned by the four key strands of oracy: Physical, Cognitive, Linguistic, and Social & Emotional. These strands guide the explicit teaching of speaking and listening skills, helping our pupils become effective communicators and enhancing their learning across the curriculum.

In every classroom, we strive to ensure that:

• High expectations for oracy are embedded in everyday practice
• Every voice is heard, respected, and valued
• Oracy is used as a powerful tool to deepen understanding and learning
• Speaking and listening skills are explicitly taught, modelled, and celebrated

What is Oracy?

Oracy is all about talking and listening well. It’s the skill of speaking clearly, listening carefully, and joining in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s telling a story, asking or answering a question, or sharing an idea, oracy helps children become confident communicators — in the classroom and beyond.

We believe that every child’s voice matters, and we give them the tools to use it.

Why Does Oracy Matter?

Strong oracy skills help children to:

• Think deeply and explain their ideas.
• Work well with others through discussion and teamwork.
• Grow in confidence when speaking in front of others.
• Succeed across the curriculum, from reading and writing to maths and science.

In a world where communication is key, oracy gives children a head start - not just in school, but in life.

From the moment children join us in Reception, we create a rich, talk-filled environment where every child is encouraged to speak, listen, and share.

We use tools like talk partners and visual prompts to support every child: making sure they feel heard, understood and confident to speak up.

Every Voice Counts

Oracy isn’t just a subject - it’s part of everything we do. Whether children are solving problems in maths, exploring stories in English, or working together in science, they’re learning to communicate with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

We’re proud to help our pupils become thoughtful speakers, active listeners, and kind collaborators.