At Stelling Minnis Primary School, we believe that every child deserves to be heard. Oracy—speaking and listening effectively—is central to our curriculum and underpins all learning.
From EYFS, children are immersed in a language-rich environment where they learn to express ideas, listen carefully and take turns through play, storytelling and discussion. As they move through the school, these skills are developed through structured opportunities to talk, collaborate, debate and present across all subjects.
Key strands running through EYFS–Year 6
Listening and attention – from sustained attention and following instructions to critical listening and evaluating viewpoints.
Vocabulary and language – from developing vocabulary to selecting precise language for audience and purpose.
Discussion and interaction – from turn-taking to leading, challenging and negotiating within discussions.
Questioning – from asking and answering simple questions to asking insightful questions that deepen understanding.
Reasoning and justification – from explaining preferences to constructing reasoned arguments supported by evidence.
Presentation – from speaking to a small group to delivering confident presentations to a range of audiences.
Performance – from rhymes, songs and role play to expressive performance and formal speaking.
Audience and purpose – from familiar contexts to deliberately adapting register, vocabulary, tone and delivery.
Confidence and fluency – developing the ability to speak clearly, confidently and spontaneously.
Reflection – increasingly evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others’ spoken communication.