What is oracy?
Oracy is the use of verbal interaction (dialogue) to develop:
- Pupils' skills in using spoken language
- Their understanding and use of vocabulary
- Pupils' ability to communicate effectively with others
It can take the form of oral language interventions. Oracy is also known as 'speaking and listening'.
Examples of oracy in the classroom can include:
- Pupils recalling or repeating facts, information or passages of text
- Pupils explaining concepts
- Classroom discussion
- Structured questioning to deepen understanding
Why is it important to develop oracy skills?
Oracy can help pupils:
- Increase self-confidence
- Deepen their self-awareness
- Improve resilience
- Boost their wellbeing
- Increase their academic achievement and employability
It can also have a high impact on pupil outcomes for a low cost – the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) found that the average impact of oracy interventions is 6 months' additional progress.
Under the 2025 inspection framework, Ofsted will evaluate how you teach pupils