Oracy

At Sussex Road we aim to develop confident, thoughtful communicators who use spoken language to question, challenge, and explore the world around them. Through a rich and structured oracy curriculum, we aim to empower children to express ideas clearly, listen with respect, and engage in meaningful dialogue that deepens understanding. By valuing talk as a tool for learning, we nurture children who are curious enough to ask questions, courageous enough to challenge assumptions, and reflective enough to explore new perspectives. In doing so, we equip every child with the communication skills, critical thinking, and confidence needed to participate fully in school life and beyond.

Our Oracy Curriculum is broken down into four strands: cognitive, linguistic, physical, social and emotional. This allows children to learn how to apply different skills of using spoken language effectively and purposefully.

We embed high quality talk opportunities across the curriculum. We understand the adult’s role in promoting talk is absolutely critical. Teachers explicitly model effective spoken language, introduce rich vocabulary, and use structured talk strategies such as think, pair, share, stem sentences and partner talk to support children. Classroom environments are designed to promote curiosity and enquiry, encouraging pupils to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions respectfully, and explore multiple viewpoints through debate, storytelling, drama, and collaborative problem solving. Progression in oracy skills is planned from Early Years to Year 6, with opportunities for children to practise speaking for different audiences and purposes.

As a result of our approach to oracy, we aim for our children to develop the confidence and skill to use spoken language purposefully and thoughtfully. They become learners who readily question, showing curiosity and a willingness to seek deeper understanding. They are able to challenge ideas respectfully, drawing on well-developed reasoning and the ability to articulate their thinking clearly. They confidently explore new concepts, perspectives, and possibilities through dialogue, demonstrating active listening, empathy, and collaborative problem solving. These strengthened communication skills support improved outcomes across the curriculum and prepare children to participate fully and confidently in school life and future readiness in the wider world.