What is Oracy?

In short, oracy is the ability to listen, talk and communicate clearly. At its core, it’s the outcome that allows students to talk confidently, appropriately, and sensitively. Students learn through talk, deepening their understanding through dialogue.

Every student at The Marlborough Science Academy is encouraged to have a voice, to have opinions on a wide range of topics, and a safe space to discuss them; we teach our students the oracy skills needed to be excellent communicators.

Why is Oracy so important?

In an ever-growing technological world, it is vital that our young people are able to communicate with their peers and with adults. Communication is a key life skill that will aid our students in their future endeavours.

Weekly Form Time Discussions

The form time discussions exercise the four strands of oracy: cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional, and physical. Within the discussions, shared language, structured debates, oracy targets, and non-verbal communications are demonstrated.

All students are encouraged to be actively involved in the discussion. Discussions are chaired by the form tutor and students are taught to show compassion, tolerance, and dignity. At the end of each week, students are invited to share their views in an Oracy Poll to ensure that every voice is heard. The results of the poll are shared within the school each week, and with the wider school community half-termly through the newsletter.

We recognise that sometimes talking in groups or on issues that are new to you can be difficult; therefore, our reward system recognises this, and all students who participate in the Oracy discussion receive House points.

Oracy Self-Assessment Checklist 1     Oracy Self-Assessment Checklist 2