At Archbishop Temple Church of England High School, we believe that oracy—the ability to communicate effectively through spoken language—is a vital skill for all our pupils. By prioritising oracy as a whole-school focus, we aim to equip our students with the confidence, clarity, and articulation needed to express their ideas, collaborate with others, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Strong communication skills not only enhance academic achievement across subjects but also prepare our pupils for future careers and community engagement. Rooted in our Christian values, we encourage every pupil to find their voice, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and active listening. Through engaging discussions, presentations, and opportunities to share their views, we empower our students to become thoughtful, articulate, and self-assured individuals.
To support this aim, we are implementing The Oracy Framework, developed by Cambridge University and Voice 21. This framework provides a structured and comprehensive approach to developing oracy skills by focusing on four key areas: physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional. By using this proven framework, we ensure that our approach is grounded in the latest educational research, enabling us to provide high-quality, consistent opportunities for pupils to practise and refine their oracy skills across all subjects. This evidence-based focus helps our students become confident, articulate, and well-rounded individuals, prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Oracy Framework
All pupils have been explicitly taught about oracy during Temple Time in the first half term and have received a knowledge organiser, accessible via their iPads, to support them with oracy tasks in their lessons. This organiser is used across the school by all teachers, ensuring a consistent approach to oracy development. Teachers have also participated in oracy-focused CPD sessions, enabling them to embed oracy strategies effectively within their teaching. By equipping both pupils and staff with the tools to prioritise oracy, we are embedding a culture of confident communication and empowering our students to flourish in all aspects of their education and future lives.
Oracy Knowledge Organiser