Our Oracy Curriculum at Millfields CE Primary
At Millfields CE Primary, we believe that spoken language and vocabulary development are the golden thread that runs through every subject and every stage of learning.
Oracy is not just about speaking well – it is about thinking clearly, listening carefully, and communicating with confidence and respect. Through oracy, our children learn to express themselves thoughtfully, listen to others with courtesy, and use their voices with confidence and kindness.
Why Oracy Matters
Learning – Talk helps children to understand, question and remember. When they explain, debate and reason, their thinking deepens.
Life skills – Oracy prepares children for teamwork, interviews, problem-solving and leadership.
Faith & Values – Our Christian values of Faith, Respect, Courtesy and Endeavour are lived out in oracy. We encourage children to speak with kindness, listen with respect, and persevere in learning how to communicate clearly.
Equality of Opportunity – Oracy gives every child the voice and confidence to thrive, regardless of background.
Our Oracy Curriculum
We have planned our curriculum using four key Oracy strands:
Physical – clear voice, confident body language, eye contact.
Linguistic – growing vocabulary, grammar, and expressive language.
Cognitive – organising ideas, reasoning and problem-solving.
Social & Emotional – listening respectfully, taking turns, and speaking with empathy.
From Nursery to Year 6, children are taught to:
Take part in discussions, partner talk and storytelling.
Speak clearly in assemblies, performances and debates.
Use rich and subject-specific vocabulary across the curriculum.
Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and respect different views.
Early Identification and Support
At Millfields CE Primary, all children are screened on entry using the Wellcomm Toolkit to identify any language delays. Where needed, children are supported through targeted interventions or referred early to Speech and Language Therapy. This ensures that every child has the very best foundations for communication and learning.
What This Looks Like in School
Early Years – nursery rhymes, storytelling, and conversation through play.
KS1 – retelling stories, explaining ideas, and show-and-tell.
KS2 – debates, presentations, and precise subject vocabulary in maths, science and history.
By Year 6, pupils leave us able to speak with confidence, courtesy and respect – ready for secondary school and beyond.
How We Know It Makes a Difference
Children grow in confidence – enjoying assemblies, productions and debates.
Pupils show respect and courtesy when listening and responding to others.
Teachers see stronger progress in reading, writing and across the curriculum.
Parents tell us their children are more articulate and confident at home.
Our oracy and vocabulary curriculum supports pupils’ personal development, character education and cultural capital, preparing them for life in modern Britain. Through oracy, pupils live out our Christian values of Faith, Respect, Courtesy and Endeavour, using their voices with courage, compassion and understanding.
✨ At Millfields CE Primary, Wellcomm screening, early support, and our oracy and vocabulary curriculum form the golden thread that enables every child to flourish – finding their voice and using it wisely, with confidence and respect.