Oracy at Fender
Oracy at Fender
Confident Communicators: Oracy at Fender
Oracy is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the ability to communicate effectively is a vital life skill – just as important as reading and writing. Our approach to oracy supports not only academic success but also the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of every child. Through carefully planned opportunities, we aim to develop confident, articulate communicators who are able to express themselves clearly, listen respectfully, and engage meaningfully with others throughout their lives.
Oracy is explicitly planned into our bespoke schemes of work across the curriculum. From Early Years to Year 6, pupils experience a clear and structured progression of speaking and listening skills, with each year group building on the foundations laid before. Whether it’s presenting ideas in science, debating ethical issues in PSHE, or performing poetry in English, children are taught how to speak clearly, structure their ideas, and adapt their language to different audiences and purposes.
Beyond the classroom, oracy is embedded throughout school life. We ensure that every child has access to meaningful speaking opportunities – from small group discussions to whole-school events. Our innovative oracy assemblies have reimagined the traditional assembly format, giving pupils a platform to explore and discuss real-world events, current affairs, and social issues that matter to them. These assemblies not only enhance cultural capital, but also help to develop empathy, emotional literacy, and a sense of social responsibility.
We are especially passionate about our children being proud of their voice, their accent, and the way they speak. We celebrate the rich diversity of language in our school community and help children understand that every voice matters. Through oracy, we teach children to value and respect the voices of others, both locally and globally, building a culture of inclusion, empathy, and mutual respect.
We also see oracy as a key tool in supporting mental health and wellbeing (MHWB). By giving children the vocabulary and confidence to express how they feel and what they need, we empower them to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop resilience.
As a proud partner of Voice 21, the UK’s leading oracy education charity, we are committed to embedding high-quality oracy teaching and learning throughout our school. This partnership supports our staff with professional development, resources, and research-based strategies, ensuring our approach is both impactful and inclusive.
At Fender, we know that giving children a voice – and teaching them how to use it well – is one of the most powerful tools we can offer. Through our whole-school commitment to oracy, we are helping to shape articulate, thoughtful, and confident young people who are proud of who they are and ready to thrive in school and beyond.
