Oracy at Djanogly Sherwood

Spoken language and Oracy are at the heart of our curriculum and school culture. We teach children not just to speak, but to listen, reason, debate, and present with confidence, clarity, and respect. By explicitly teaching Oracy, we ensure every pupil develops the communication tools needed to articulate their ideas, build strong relationships, and thrive as active citizens.

Why Oracy Matters

Oracy is an essential life skill and a fundamental driver of learning across all subjects. High-quality spoken language instruction enables pupils to:

• Build Confidence & Voice: Express thoughts, feelings, and arguments clearly and persuasively in formal and informal settings.

• Deepen Understanding: Talk through complex concepts, refine reasoning, and solve problems collaboratively across the curriculum.

• Enhance Social & Emotional Growth: Listen actively, build empathy, and engage in constructive dialogue with peers and adults.

• Promote Equity & Inclusion: Provide structured support so every child—regardless of starting point or background—finds their voice and contributes meaningfully.

The Four Strands of Oracy

Our Oracy provision focusses on developing skills across four key dimensions:

Oracy Leadership: Oracy Champions

Pupil leadership is key to sustaining a vibrant Oracy culture across the academy. Our Oracy Champions are student leaders dedicated to promoting high-quality spoken communication:

• Modelling Standards: Oracy Champions demonstrate structured talk frameworks, active listening, and respectful debate during lessons and whole-school assemblies.

• Leading Events: They host visitor panels, lead pupil voice forums, and facilitate discussions during House Afternoons and school-wide events.

• Peer Support: Champions encourage shy or quiet peers, helping to create classroom environments where everyone feels safe to speak.