At Elms Farm, we believe that speaking and listening are as fundamental to learning as reading and writing. Oracy is the ability to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage thoughtfully in dialogue. Through oracy, children learn to talk and through talk, building confidence, critical thinking, and social skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

We use the Voice 21 Oracy Framework, which develops four key strands:

• Physical – clear speech, confident body language, and effective voice control.
• Linguistic – rich vocabulary, accurate grammar, and appropriate register.
• Cognitive – structured thinking, reasoning, and the ability to build on others’ ideas.
• Social & Emotional – active listening, turn-taking, and awareness of audience.

Our classrooms are rich in purposeful talk: debates, presentations, collaborative problem-solving, and storytelling. These experiences help children become articulate, empathetic, and resilient communicators.

---

Why Oracy Matters

Research shows that high-quality oracy education can accelerate academic progress and improve life chances. The Education Endowment Foundation reports that oral language interventions can add up to six months of additional progress in a year. Studies also link strong oracy skills to improved attainment in English, maths, and science, as well as greater confidence and wellbeing. Children who start school with limited communication skills are six times less likely to reach expected standards in English by Year 6, highlighting the importance of early and sustained oracy teaching.