Oracy (Speaking and Listening) at Manor Wood

Oracy is a huge part of everything we do at Manor Wood and is woven throughout all aspects of our curriculum. We are passionate about providing ample opportunities for all of our pupils to develop into eloquent, articulate individuals who can skilfully collaborate with peers and have the confidence to express and justify their views.

In Early Years, children are given a voice from their very first days and learn the impact of communication. Children are listened to and conversation is encouraged, supported and celebrated every day. Children are facilitated to develop their own projects - from Refugee Welcome demonstrations in Leeds City Centre, to creating and performing their own plays to parents. These strong foundations are built upon and developed as children progress throughout their time at this school.

We build on and develop children’s speaking, listening and performance skills as they progress through school. Children learn how to project their voice, speak effectively, maintain conversation, discuss and debate – from within the classroom to city-wide formal competitions.  To celebrate our diverse community, we regularly provide a platform for our children and families to present to different audiences about their varied cultures. As well as performing plays, poetry and producing assemblies, our precise and progressive teaching of vocabulary underpins all subjects which make up our curriculum and is both subject specific and ambitious.

Every child is empowered to be a good communicator and everyone here has a voice.

Children develop across the four stands of Oracy in Literacy lessons and across the wider curriculum as outlined in our Oracy Progression Map below.