Oracy

At Spring Trust, we believe that every child should leave primary school as a confident, articulate, and empowered communicator. Building on training and guidance from Voice 21, we have developed our own Spring Trust Oracy Framework, designed to ensure that all children learn both to talk and through talk.

Our framework is built around the four strands of oracy — linguistic, cognitive, physical, and social & emotional. Each year group is explicitly taught skills linked to these strands, supporting children to develop the tools they need to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and engage thoughtfully with others.

Our approach fully aligns with the National Curriculum, which recognises spoken language as fundamental to pupils’ development across all subjects and essential for learning, thinking, and communicating effectively.

Through a variety of talking structures, children learn to embrace different roles in discussion and dialogue. Using taught talk tactics, they challenge ideas respectfully, build upon one another’s thoughts, ask probing and clarifying questions, and summarise speech effectively — ensuring that every voice is heard.

We provide regular opportunities for pupils to build confidence in presentational speaking, both within classrooms and during whole-school events such as assemblies. Our children uplift and support one another as Talk Detectives, reflecting on and celebrating effective communication.

We are incredibly proud of our annual inter-school debate tournament, which brings together primary and secondary pupils, as well as community leaders and political figures, to inspire our children and showcase their oracy achievements.

At Spring Trust, talk is the foundation of learning, connection, and empowerment — enabling every child to find their voice and use it with confidence, clarity, and purpose.