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Featuring insights from Claire Sealy
In primary education, oracy is far more than simply helping children to speak confidently; it is a fundamental skill that underpins learning, literacy, wellbeing and future success. Through purposeful talk, pupils develop their vocabulary, deepen their understanding, strengthen their reasoning and learn how to collaborate effectively with others. High-quality oracy provision enables children to articulate ideas, ask questions, justify their thinking and engage meaningfully in classroom discussion, while also building the confidence to express themselves in a wide range of contexts. As schools increasingly recognise the importance of preparing pupils not only for academic achievement but also for life beyond the classroom, a structured approach to oracy has become an essential component of an ambitious primary curriculum. By embedding opportunities for speaking and listening across all areas of learning, schools can ensure every child develops the communication skills needed to thrive both in school and in the wider world.
This article has been derived from a recent webinar delivered by Claire Sealy, former headteacher and one of the UK’s most respected voices in curriculum and primary pedagogy, as part of our series of six Expert Sessions for Staff Development.
Why Oracy Matters More Than Ever
Oracy—the ability to speak and listen effectively—is not just a “nice to have” in primary education. It is a critical driver of learning, inclusion, and academic success.
When used purposefully, oracy can:
- Improve understanding and retention
- Build confidence and belonging
- Develop higher-order thinking
- Strengthen writing and literacy outcomes
But here’s the key: oracy is not one thing.
Two Distinct Roles of Oracy
Understanding this distinction is essential for effective implementation:
1. Oracy as Pedagogy (Learning Through Talk)
Using talk as a tool for teaching and learning
2. Oracy as Curriculum (Learning How to Talk)
Explicitly teaching speaking and listening skills
Strong schools do both—deliberately and strategically.
When Should You Use Oracy?
Oracy is powerful—but not always the right tool.
Great teaching comes from making intentional choices, not forcing strategies into every lesson.
Use oracy when it:
- Supports high-quality, inclusive teaching
- Is a curriculum requirement (e.g. explaining reasoning in maths, speaking in MFL)
We have four high-impact suggestions in which Oracy can improve Teaching:
- Builds a Culture of Belonging
- Every pupil’s voice is heard and valued
- Encourages participation from all learners
- Strengthens both academic and social inclusion
- Helps Teachers Check for Understanding
Learning is invisible—so we must actively check it.
Three key methods:
- Writing (e.g. mini whiteboards)
- Showing (e.g. gestures, positioning)
- Talking (for deeper probing)
Use talk when you want depth, not just quick answers
- Bridges the Gap to Better Writing
Children don’t naturally speak in the same way they write.
Oracy helps pupils develop the “language of writing”:
- Moving from informal speech → structured sentences
- Using technical vocabulary
- Practising formal, academic language
Tip: Encourage oral rehearsal before writing—especially in younger years.
- Promotes Deeper Thinking
Talk helps pupils:
- Organise and clarify ideas
- Connect new learning to prior knowledge
- Think more critically and analytically
“Attention is the gateway to learning—talk helps focus that attention.”
Exploratory Talk vs Presentational Talk
Effective classrooms use both:
Exploratory Talk
- Informal, idea-generating
- Allows mistakes and thinking aloud
- Best for early stages of learning
Presentational Talk
- Structured, formal
- Clear and polished
- Best for final outcomes (e.g. explanations, debates)
The journey matters: explore → refine → present
Practical Classroom Strategies
Here are simple, high-impact ways to embed oracy:
Think Hard Activities
- Sorting and categorising
- Ranking and justifying
- “Fix the error” tasks
Make Connections
- Link key vocabulary in meaningful sentences
- Compare concepts (e.g. “What’s the same and different?”)
Talk Tactics
Introduce gradually:
- Probe: “Why do you think that?”
- Extend: “Can you give an example?”
- Challenge: “Do you agree or disagree?”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Expecting oracy in every lesson
Assuming pupils “just pick it up”
Focusing only on confident speakers
Skipping explicit teaching of speaking skills
Instead: be intentional, inclusive, and explicit
Summary
Oracy is most powerful when it is:
- Planned (not accidental)
- Purposeful (not performative)
- Balanced (used alongside other strategies)
If you would like a downloadable copy of this information click here. This content has been extracted from our Expert Session for Staff Development on Oracy. These Expert Sessions For Staff Development are a series of six 30 min recorded sessions and are available to purchase. The sessions bring top educational experts directly to your school and they can be incorporated into your staff meetings at a time convenient to you. Find out more
About Gateway Alliance
Gateway Alliance is a leading provider of professional development and school improvement services that enable schools and MAT’s to deliver exceptional education. We have been inspiring schools through transformational CPD programmes for over 13 years. Specialising in primary education, we collaborate with partners to deliver high-quality. evidence-informed professional development, training and support services to schools.
Every year over 500 schools actively participate in our networks and professional learning programmes. For more information on our networks and what we offer, click here .
