Oracy
Developing a good command of the English language is central to our children at St Mark’s developing the knowledge, values and skills that will enable them to become lifelong learners and worthy citizens of the future. We understand that communication and language are the roots underpinning success in reading and writing and that good communication skills can enhance every type of learning. For this reason, we ensure that children at St Mark’s have many opportunities to explore fully their communication and language skills.
Whatever their starting point, we aim for our children to speak clearly and convey their ideas with confidence, using Standard English.
How we Develop Oracy
When teaching Oracy, we consider four key strands of oracy skills:
- Physical aspects: How we use our voice and body to communicate
- Linguistic aspects: How we structure what we say and choose appropriate vocabulary
- Cognitive aspects: staying focused whilst speaking and when listening to others, asking appropriate questions and explaining opinions using reasons.
- Social and emotional aspects: working with others, listening and responding and increasing confidence.
Teachers plan for talk across the curriculum and to elevate speaking beyond the classroom. Pupils have a range of planned oracy experiences across curriculum areas, which include:
- drama and role play opportunities
- presentation of learning
- talk partners, paired/collaborative work
- giving and receiving instructions
- asking and responding to questions
- listening to stories and visiting speakers
- sharing experiences and ideas
- explaining their reasoning
- experimenting with words and vocabulary
As a staff, we foster and model good communication amongst ourselves and with our pupils, parents, carers and the wider community.
The Impact of our Work
At an age appropriate level, children at St Mark’s:
- Speak with confidence, clarity and fluency, using a wide vocabulary
- Show a good command of the English language, adapting their use of language for a range of purposes and audiences
- Listen to, concentrate on, interpret and respond appropriately to a wide range of listening experiences
- Value their own opinions and be able to express them to others, sustaining a logical argument, whilst respecting and taking account of the views of others
- Share their learning in an engaging, informative way through formal presentations
- Know that their words have the power to impact the world around them, speaking with kindness, honesty and respect.
