We believe spoken language to be fundamental to the achievement of our pupils. Our aim is to enable the children improve their levels of oracy so that all pupils are able to communicate effectively and confidently in front of any type of audience.  These skills are being encouraged in every area of our curriculum as good communication skills can enhance every type of learning. The children are encouraged to explore ideas through talk; challenge each other’s opinions and develop their own reasoned arguments, as well as talking in full sentences with a clear and confident voice. We strive to develop spoken language skills through the taught curriculum, the hidden curriculum, playtimes and lunchtimes, extra-curricular activities and the whole ethos of the school.

Respectful and productive relationships between all who form part of the school community are crucial aspects of this ethos. As a staff, we therefore foster good communication amongst ourselves and with our pupils, their parents and carers, and with the wider community. We place a high priority on supporting the development of good speaking and listening skills amongst our pupils.

We intend for our spoken language curriculum to enable children to:

• speak with confidence, clarity and fluency;
• recognise the value of listening;
• be confident in the value of their own opinions and to be able to express them to others;
• adapt their use of language for a range of different purposes and audiences, including using Standard English;
• sustain a logical argument and respond to others appropriately;
• be open-minded, to value the contribution of others and to take account of their views