Oracy
At Blackheath Primary School, Oracy is at the heart of our curriculum and underpins all learning. We prioritise the early development of language, both spoken and written, so that every child makes excellent progress from their individual starting points, particularly from the Early Years.
Early language needs are identified promptly, and interventions such as NELI (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) and WellComm are used to strengthen speech, language and communication skills, enabling pupils to access the curriculum successfully.
This is because we believe that strong communication skills are essential for learning, wellbeing and future success, and we are committed to ensuring that all pupils develop the confidence and skills to express themselves clearly and effectively.
Our approach to Oracy is built upon the foundations of the Oracy Framework, which supports pupils to develop the physical, linguistic, cognitive and social-emotional aspects of spoken language. Oracy is explicitly modelled and taught and carefully interwoven through all areas of the curriculum, enabling pupils to talk to learn as well as learn to talk.
High-quality texts, chosen for their literary merit, form the backbone of our reading and writing curriculum. Our chosen texts provide rich opportunities for discussion, vocabulary development and purposeful talk, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding, articulate ideas and make meaningful links across subjects. Through reading, writing and structured talk, pupils learn to listen attentively, respond thoughtfully and adapt their language for different situations and audiences.
Our Teachers promote high-quality interactions through consistent classroom practices, including Kagan Collaborative Structures and De Bono's Six Thinking Hats. These strategies ensure that all pupils are actively engaged in talk, contribute confidently, and learn to build on the ideas of others through respectful, back and forth discussions with adults and children.
We are committed to supporting children in the early stages of language development, including those for whom English is an additional language. Where pupils have English as an additional language, staff us a carefully planned assessment and intervention informed by the 'Seven stages of language acquisition' and the TEAL approach, ensuring targeted and effective support.
Through our inclusive, intentional and whole-school approach to Oracy, we empower all children to become articulate, confident communicators who are well prepared to succeed across the curriculum and beyond.
Kagan Collaborative structures
