Oracy

Overview and curriculum links

Oracy refers to our pupils’ ability to express their ideas and opinions verbally through debates, presentations or discussions.  The latest national curriculum has put a new emphasis on oracy, valorising its importance in pupils’ development, “across the whole curriculum – cognitively, socially and linguistically” (DfE 2014).

Our topics for discussion are real-life debates which are relevant and current.  We explore politics, philosophy, science, religion and current affairs, encouraging the children to challenge the status quo and to constantly re-examine their own opinions.    

Example programme

KS1

In our key stage 1 programmes, children consider an issue from a different point of view and present arguments that they don’t necessarily agree with.  In doing this, the pupils learn to predict others’ responses and are more adept at forming counter arguments.  At this stage, we discuss topics which affect the children’s immediate daily lives such as building homes on local green spaces, age restrictions on children’s literature and changes to school holidays. 

​

KS2

At key stage 2, the children are expected to debate wider issues within their own and others’ societies such as corporal punishment, immigration and political reform.  Pupils also discuss philosophical debates such as moral reasoning and aesthetic taste.