Oracy is fundamental to the learning process and young people’s development. At Ashton we ensure that all children leave school able to communicate appropriately, with clarity and confidence.

Oracy involves two main processes – learning to talk well and learning well through talk.

By learning to talk well, young people develop the confidence and ability to express themselves appropriately and clearly, but also to listen effectively. Learning well through talk captures the processes by which young people, with support and guidance from their teachers, deepen their knowledge and understanding of a given topic or issue through verbal interactions.

We have several strategies in place which enable students to practise this skill:

  • Debating Club
  • Student leader meetings
  • Form captain meetings
  • Big question
  • School council
  • Current affairs lessons

We also encourage students, during lessons, to use extended answers, express their opinions and use tier 2 and 3 vocabulary in their answers.