A SCHOOL in Runcorn has been recognised as an oracy centre of excellence for its work developing students’ speaking, listening, and communication skills.
All Saints C of E Primary School on Church Street has been acknowledged by the national oracy education charity Voice 21.
The school was chosen to receive the status of ‘oracy centre of excellence’ out of more than 1,200 schools that Voice 21 works with annually.
It is also the first school in Halton to achieve this recognition.
Oracy, like reading, writing, and arithmetic, is a foundational skill that ensures students thrive at school and in life.
It is the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and communicate fluently through speech.
Head teacher Joanne Robertson said: “Our focus on oracy has transformed the way all of our pupils communicate with one another.
“We have seen a noticeable improvement in how they listen, articulate their thinking, and resolve conflicts with maturity and respect.
“Oracy has given every child a voice, and the confidence to use it constructively among their peers and beyond the classroom.”
As a Voice 21 oracy centre of excellence, Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School acts as a beacon of good practice for oracy across the school system.
Teacher and oracy lead Tara Steele said: “It has been an absolute honour to lead Runcorn All Saints on its journey to becoming a centre of excellence for oracy.
“Our children have worked exceptionally hard to develop their communication skills across the physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional strands of our oracy curriculum.
“As a result, they now thrive in discussions, both socially and academically, demonstrating confidence, curiosity, and respect for others' views.”
Voice 21 was launched in 2015 in an effort to increase access to high-quality oracy education.
CEO Kate Paradine said: “The Voice 21 oracy centre of excellence award certifies and celebrates schools that are changing the face of education.
“Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School has demonstrated the quality of oracy education being provided across five areas of school life – its vision, culture, curriculum, learning, and impact on students.
“This whole school approach is at the heart of what it means to offer high-quality oracy education, which will enable every child to use their voice to thrive in school, work and life.”
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