At Hastings School, we recognize the pivotal role of oracy in shaping our students’ academic success and personal growth. Oracy, the ability to communicate effectively through spoken language, is as fundamental to education as literacy and numeracy.

The Importance of Oracy

Oracy education is vital for several reasons. It boosts academic performance by enhancing test scores and knowledge retention. Furthermore, strong oral language skills are closely linked to literacy development, as effective communication underpins reading and writing. Additionally, oracy education builds confidence in students, equipping them for future success in both academic and social settings.

Our Approach to Oracy

At Hastings School, we integrate oracy across all subjects and age groups, from Pre-Nursery to Year 6. Our comprehensive approach includes:

  • Reading and Storytelling: We emphasize the power of reading in developing oracy skills. Our reception children use puppets to retell stories, while older students read to younger ones, fostering a culture of verbal expression.
  • Active Listening: We teach ‘whole body listening’, encouraging eye contact and engagement with speakers to develop crucial listening skills.
  • Poetry and Recitation: Through poetry recitation, students learn to vary their voice tone and pitch while using gestures, enhancing their expressive abilities.
  • Cross-Curricular Integration: We recognize that oracy is essential across all subjects, including mathematics and science, where explaining thought processes deepens understanding.

The Impact of Oracy Education

Research shows that oracy education accelerates progress in reading and increases student confidence, particularly during transitions between school years. It also supports vocabulary development, which is fundamental to reading comprehension and overall academic success.

At Hastings School, we are committed to providing a rich oracy education that empowers our students to become confident communicators and critical thinkers. By fostering these essential skills, we prepare our students not just for academic success but for life beyond the classroom. Feel free to adjust any sections further if needed!