What is Oracy?
Oracy is the ability to express yourself clearly and confidently through spoken language, as well as to listen and respond effectively to others.
Why is this important for students at The Polygon?
Oracy is hugely important for secondary school students, it’s not just about speaking well, but about learning, confidence, and connection. Here are some key reasons why:
🎯 1. Supports learning across all subjects
Talking helps students think through ideas, clarify understanding, and retain knowledge. When students explain a concept out loud or discuss it with peers, they process it more deeply than when they just read or write about it.
💬 2. Builds communication and confidence
Secondary school is a time when young people are finding their voices. Oracy gives them structured ways to speak confidently, listen actively, and express opinions respectfully. These are vital skills for interviews, presentations, and future workplaces.
🤝 3. Strengthens teamwork and collaboration
Through group discussions and projects, students learn to negotiate, share ideas, and support others. These are all essential for effective teamwork in school and beyond.
🧠 4. Develops critical thinking
Speaking and listening tasks encourage students to question, evaluate evidence, and build arguments. This helps them think independently and engage thoughtfully with different perspectives.
🌍 5. Promotes inclusion and equality
When every student is encouraged to speak and be heard, it gives all voices value, not just the loudest ones. This helps create a respectful, inclusive classroom culture.
💼 6. Prepares students for the future
Strong oracy skills are key for success in further education, employment, and leadership. Being able to speak clearly and listen well are among the most sought-after skills by employers today.
Voice 21 Challenge
Voice 21 is the national charity that supports schools to build speaking and listening into the curriculum, teaching and learning and wider school life.
This year’s challenge theme is 'The Time for Oracy is Now'.
During the Autumn Term at The Polygon we are exploring how to use our oracy skills in different ways, depending on the situation.
Polygon students will complete a series of challenges requiring them to use their oracy skills for different purposes.
Look out for blogs conveying our progress:
TALK TO ENTERTAIN – make your audience laugh or enjoy your story.
TALK TO EXPLORE – ask questions, share opinions, and discover ideas together.
TALK TO ENQUIRE – ask questions to find out information.
TALK TO PERSUADE – explain your ideas and give reasons so others might agree with you.
TALK TO INSTRUCT – explain something clearly so others can follow your directions.
