Speaking and Listening

"Reading and writing float on a sea of talk..." - James Britton

Both in English, and across the curriculum, children are supported by the development of skills in spoken language.  Subjects are explored and developed through discussion, and used in presentation, performance, expression and debate.

At Newbold Church School, we recognise that having confidence and competence in language is a key life skill and that developing these areas is likely to have the greatest impact on improving children’s life chances.

Newbold Church School have joined the Voice 21 programme to support oracy throughout our school.

 Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. In school, oracy is a powerful tool for learning; by teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them.

 Through a high- quality oracy education students learn through talk and to talk. This is when they develop and deepen their subject knowledge and understanding through talk in the classroom, which has been planned, designed, modelled, scaffolded and structured to enable them to learn the skills needed to talk effectively.

Our Aims.

Our aim is for all our children to enrich their thinking and communication skills, boost their self-esteem, and improve their academic attainment across the curriculum. We want our children to become eloquent speakers and develop the ability to justify answers, arguments and opinions and to be able to apply this to their thinking and learning, thus enhancing their understanding of not only subject content but also of each other, themselves, the wider community and worldviews.  

As we start our journey into oracy through the Voice 21 programme, we will be incorporating speaking and listening skills across the school and curriculum.