Oracy is the ability to express ourselves clearly, confidently and effectively through spoken language. At Cotham School, we recognise that strong oracy skills are fundamental to success across the curriculum and beyond school - and we’re very proud of the culture among our students to speak up and have their voices heard.

We take a whole-school approach to developing students as confident speakers, thoughtful listeners and effective communicators. Our vision is to equip students to share ideas, engage in discussion and participate fully in the world around them. We have built on the Voice 21 model of learning to talk, and learning through talk and this is practised in all lessons as well as extracurricular and intervention opportunities.

Oracy in the curriculum

Oracy is embedded throughout the curriculum, providing students with regular opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills. Through carefully planned teaching, students learn to articulate their ideas clearly, use ambitious and subject-specific vocabulary, listen actively and respond thoughtfully to the views of others. They participate in a range of activities, including paired discussions, group work, debates, presentations and collaborative problem-solving. These experiences help students develop confidence, structure their thinking and communicate effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Disciplinary oracy

Speaking and listening also look different across subjects. A sociologist needs to construct and justify an argument, while a mathematician must explain ideas and processes precisely; an English student needs to interpret evidence and discuss different perspectives, whereas in Engineering, students need to problem solve and plan. Our faculties are therefore working closely with school leadership to identify and explicitly teach the disciplinary oracy skills students need in each subject. Teachers model effective spoken communication, develop subject-specific vocabulary and provide opportunities for students to rehearse, discuss, question and refine their ideas.

Additional opportunities

Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to develop their oracy skills through a range of activities that encourage them to speak with confidence, work collaboratively and engage with different viewpoints. Events we’re proud to be part of include: BEP Youth Talks, Poetry by Heart, Debating club and Speak with Spark projects.

How you can support your child with oracy

• Encourage conversation: Make time to talk about everyday experiences, current affairs, books, films and topics that interest your child, encouraging them to explain their thoughts and opinions.

• Develop active listening: Encourage your child to listen carefully, consider different perspectives and respond thoughtfully to what others say.

• Ask open-ended questions: Questions such as “What makes you think that?” or “Can you explain your reasoning?” help your child develop and articulate their ideas.

• Build confidence in speaking: Encourage your child to take part in discussions, explain their ideas to others and practise speaking in different situations, from everyday conversations to presentations.

• Celebrate progress: Praise your child for expressing their ideas, listening respectfully and engaging in discussion. Encourage them to see speaking and listening as skills that develop through practice.