Picture a school where every voice matters, where dialogue flows like a river, enriching the landscape of education. Imagine a place where students not only absorb knowledge but also articulate their thoughts with confidence and clarity. This vision isn't just a dream; it's a reality at The Hertfordshire & Essex High School, an institution that has woven oracy—a skill often overshadowed by literacy and numeracy—into the very fabric of its culture.
The Drive Towards Oracy Excellence
It was during the silence of lockdown that the seed of oracy was planted at Herts & Essex. With the return to classrooms on the horizon, concerns over social fragmentation brought on by COVID-19 propelled the school to prioritize spoken language skills. This proactive stance anticipated the broader discourse on educational recovery, positioning oracy as an essential tool for bridging post-pandemic social divides.
An engaged student converses with a teacher in a classroom rich with opportunities for oracy development.Year One: Laying the Foundations
The inaugural year was marked by training from Oracy Cambridge experts and practical implementation spearheaded by the School Oracy Lead. Staff members sharpened their teaching tools through Voice 21's support, adopting high expectations for oracy akin to those held for other core skills.
Challenges Identified
The initial assessment uncovered two challenges:
- A portion of students doubted their potential to improve as speakers and listeners.
- While teachers valued oracy, they sought more guidance to foster high communication standards and appraise progress effectively.
Addressing these hurdles, the staff embarked on a mission to imbue every lesson with exploratory talk and target reluctant speakers with tailored strategies. Professional development sessions were teeming with new activities designed to enliven oracy education.
Year Two: Implementing Oracy Across Curricula
Fueled by positive momentum, year two focused on entrenching oracy within curricular frameworks. Curriculum leaders received comprehensive training, while teaching staff embraced practical exercises during inset days. This collaborative effort ensured that every subject area identified opportunities to integrate oracy, laying down tracks for students' communicative excellence.
Promising young debaters from Herts & Essex showcase their achievements, testament to the school's commitment to oracy.Year Three: Strengthening the Oracy Framework
The third year was pivotal; it was about embedding and reinforcing the established oracy practices. The highlight came in July 2023 with 'Pens Down Day'—a celebration of spoken language—and reflective CPD events that evaluated the school's transformative journey in fostering articulate expression amongst its pupils.
A dynamic interaction unfolds as students engage in a discussion affirming the importance of oracy skills developed at Herts & Essex.Extracurricular Successes
Beyond classroom walls, extracurricular clubs flourished under this new emphasis on speech. Debate teams achieved regional acclaim while literary presentations captivated audiences on World Book Day. These platforms allowed students not just to speak but to excel vocally.
Fostering Future Leaders
The school also dedicated efforts towards preparing its most promising scholars for prestigious university placements. From Oxbridge interviews to MMI preparations for medical school applicants, Herts & Essex ensured its students were not just academically equipped but also eloquently expressive.
Celebrating Recognition and Looking Ahead
The English Speaking Union's Oracy Culture Award was not merely an accolade; it signified recognition for years of dedication and hard work. As Herts & Essex continues its trajectory towards academic excellence, it remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing confident communicators who can reach for the stars—true to its motto 'Sic Itur Ad Astra'.
A Call To Action For Other Schools
To schools aspiring to enrich their curricula with oracy, take heart from Herts & Essex's exemplary journey. Embrace support from organizations like Oracy Cambridge and Voice 21 while trusting your educators' ingenuity and your students' potential. After all, empowering student voices through oracy does not just enhance learning—it transforms lives.
If you're intrigued by this transformative approach to education and wish to learn more about building a culture of oracy at your school, don't hesitate to reach out at +44 121 224 7599. Our team at Teaching Times Training is here to guide you with expert writers who specialize in educational innovation. We're based out of Pershore Street—join us as we empower educators and learners alike!
