English and Oracy

Oracy at Woodchurch Road Academy

Oracy is a cornerstone of learning at Woodchurch Road Academy. We believe that every child deserves to be heard and that every voice counts. Speaking and listening are taught with the same rigour as reading and writing, empowering pupils to communicate with clarity, confidence, and respect.

Across the curriculum, pupils learn to express ideas, reason, question, and build upon the contributions of others. Talk is used as a tool for learning and thinking — in classrooms, in Crew discussions, and through Council Crew, where pupils represent their peers and contribute to school improvement.

Our Presentations of Knowledge provide authentic opportunities for pupils to share their learning publicly, developing confidence, pride, and a sense of purpose. Through reflective dialogue, philosophical debate, and collaborative exploration, children learn to listen deeply, disagree respectfully, and recognise the dignity and potential in everyone.

At Woodchurch Road Academy, oracy is not simply about speaking well — it is about shaping thoughtful, compassionate individuals who use their voices to make a difference.

The Oracy Framework @ WRA

The Oracy Framework provides a shared language for teaching and assessing spoken communication. It identifies four key strands that work together to support pupils in becoming confident, thoughtful, and effective speakers and listeners.

1. Physical
This strand focuses on voice, tone, pace, clarity, and body language. Pupils learn to project their voices, use expression, and communicate meaning through gesture, eye contact, and posture.

2. Linguistic
This strand develops vocabulary, grammar, and rhetorical techniques. Pupils learn to use precise, well-chosen language for different audiences and purposes, from academic explanation to persuasive debate.

3. Cognitive
This strand supports pupils to think clearly, sequence ideas logically, and build reasoning. Pupils plan, clarify, and elaborate their thoughts, drawing connections between concepts and evidence.

4. Social and Emotional
This strand encourages active listening, respect, confidence, and empathy. Pupils learn to respond appropriately, take turns, challenge ideas respectfully, and collaborate effectively.

The Ethic of Oracy

Through this approach, pupils learn that communication is a shared responsibility and a form of leadership. Every child is encouraged to find and use their voice, to listen with intent, and to contribute with courage and respect. Oracy at Woodchurch Road Academy develops not only confident speakers but also compassionate, reflective citizens who understand that every voice matters.