We’re a Voice 21 Oracy School!

Voice 21 is the national charity that advocates for and supports schools in delivering a high-quality oracy education. In continuing our relationship with Voice 21 for another year, we are part of a network of over 1,100 Voice 21 Oracy Schools across the UK that are transforming teaching and learning through talk.

Why oracy matters?

Oracy is articulating ideas, developing understanding and engaging with others through speaking, listening and communication.

We actively invest teaching time into creating "talk-rich" classrooms, valuing every student voice, boosting confidence, and preparing our students for their futures.

• Speaking and listening skills are critical foundations for reading and writing.
• Students with better oral language skills are more likely to achieve the highest grades in GCSE Maths and English.
• Young people with good communication skills are less likely to have mental health difficulties.

By teaching students to become effective speakers and listeners, we empower them to understand themselves, each other, and the world around them better.

Why are we a Voice 21 Oracy School?

As a Voice 21 Oracy School, we are placing oracy at the heart of our teaching and learning across all subject areas enabling students to develop and deepen their knowledge and understanding through talk in the classroom.

In Voice 21 Oracy Schools:

• 89% of students agree/strongly agree that speaking and listening has helped them make progress with their school work.
• 77% of teachers said that oracy had boosted attainment.
• 96% of teachers said that oracy is an essential part of teaching and learning.

Find out more about oracy and Voice 21 here

About Voice 21

We believe that schools have the power to change a child’s life and create a fairer society. Oracy sets children up for success in school and life. Voice 21 supports schools to deliver high-quality oracy education by ensuring speaking, listening and communication are part of the curriculum, teaching and wider school life. Oracy supports children to get the best start in life and be ready to learn.

We work in the schools in which we can make the biggest difference. In Voice 21 schools, you will hear students solving problems collaboratively in maths and dissecting arguments in history, talking through conflicts in the playground and leading assemblies. Like literacy and numeracy, oracy is teachable. It is foundational for learning, working, creating healthy relationships with other people, and building stronger communities.