At Abbey Grange Academy, we are proud to be an Oracy School, as part of Abbey MAT as a talk-rich Trust. We place a strong emphasis on developing students’ speaking and listening skills. Oracy, the ability to express oneself fluently and articulately, is central to our curriculum and aligns with the ABBEY Character values: Aspiration, Benevolence, Belief, Excellence, Youth Leadership, and the idea of students learning to flourish in both their academic and personal lives.
Oracy is about more than just speaking—it’s about being able to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage meaningfully in conversation. We partner with Voice 21, a national organisation that champions oracy in education, to ensure our students develop these essential skills. This collaboration enables us to create an environment where students regularly practice speaking and listening across all subjects, helping them to grow as confident and articulate communicators.
Aspiration: Oracy encourages students to aim high and set ambitious goals for themselves. By developing their communication skills, they gain the confidence to speak up, share their ideas, and make their voices heard. This aspiration will empower them to chase their dreams and thrive.
Building Confidence: Oracy helps students build self-confidence, an essential part of Belief. As they practise speaking in a variety of settings—from classroom discussions to presentations—students develop the self-assurance needed to engage in new opportunities, and this confidence will support them in all areas of life.
Academic Success: Strong communication skills are linked to better understanding of subjects, improved problem-solving, and clearer explanations. Oracy helps students excel academically by allowing them to articulate their ideas more effectively, aligning with our value of Excellence. This ability to communicate clearly also supports Youth Leadership, as students who can speak confidently are more likely to lead and influence others in positive ways.
Benevolence and Social Skills: Oracy is key to building empathy and understanding, helping students develop Benevolence. As they listen and respond thoughtfully to others, students build the social skills required for positive relationships and collaboration, essential for a thriving community.
Career Readiness and Flourishing: As students prepare for the future, oracy equips them with the tools to succeed in the workplace. The ability to present ideas clearly, negotiate, and work collaboratively are all vital skills that contribute to long-term success and flourishing. Oracy ensures that students are well-prepared to make a positive impact in their careers and communities.
At Abbey Grange Academy, Oracy is woven throughout everything we do, from the classroom to the wider community. It’s not just a subject—it’s a core part of our students’ development and aligns with our commitment to the ABBEY Character values. We believe that every student should have regular opportunities to speak, listen, and engage in meaningful conversations, whether they’re presenting in class, debating a topic, or collaborating in group work.
Interactive Learning: Teachers use oracy strategies to encourage student-led discussions, debates, and group work, ensuring that all students have a voice. This supports Youth Leadership, as students take ownership of their learning and demonstrate leadership skills through communication.
Personalised Development: Through regular feedback and reflection on their oracy skills, students gain insights into how they communicate and how they can improve. This contributes to their ongoing personal growth and ability to flourish as confident, capable individuals.
Opportunities for All: Whether through formal presentations or informal discussions, every student is given the opportunity to develop their voice, ensuring no one is left behind. This commitment to inclusivity is an essential part of our culture, fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
By fostering a culture of oracy, we aim to help students develop the skills they need to flourish academically, socially, and personally. Oracy helps them become better communicators, thinkers, and leaders, enabling them to live out the values of Aspiration, Benevolence, Belief, Excellence, and Youth Leadership in all areas of their lives.
