Oracy

Oracy at Bourne Grammar School

At Bourne Grammar School, we believe that every student should have the skills and confidence to express their ideas and feel that their voice matters. Oracy - the ability to communicate effectively through speaking and listening - is central to our commitment to academic excellence and preparing young people for life beyond school.

Through purposeful talk, students deepen their understanding, explore different perspectives and learn to explain and justify their thinking. Putting ideas into words also helps students organise their thoughts and develop clearer, more considered written responses.

The benefits extend well beyond academic achievement. Learning to listen attentively, disagree respectfully and build on others’ ideas helps students develop empathy, positive relationships and confidence in social situations. These skills also prepare them for future study and employment, where communicating clearly, collaborating and presenting ideas are essential.

We develop oracy across the curriculum, through classroom discussion, paired tasks, debate and presentations. Our aim is for every student to become a thoughtful listener and a confident communicator, able to contribute in a way that is authentic to them.

We are proud to have been recognised as a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence in 2026, celebrating our commitment to high-quality oracy education and its place at the heart of teaching and learning.