Intent

At Combs Ford, we believe that speaking and listening are at the heart of learning and communication. We aim to develop confident, articulate children who can express their ideas clearly, listen carefully to others and engage positively in discussion. Through a strong focus on oracy, we want pupils to build the confidence, vocabulary and communication skills needed to succeed across the curriculum and in their wider lives. We also recognise the importance of making connections across learning, enabling children to build on prior experiences and develop their understanding over time.  As part of our commitment to providing the best opportunities for our pupils, we actively engage with current research and best practice from organisations such as Voice 21 and Cambridge Oracy to continually develop and strengthen our approach to oracy.

Implementation

Oracy is embedded throughout our curriculum, providing regular opportunities for children to talk, question, explain, debate, perform and present their ideas in a range of contexts. Speaking and listening skills are deliberately developed across subjects so that pupils can apply and strengthen their communication skills while making meaningful links between different areas of learning. From Autumn 2026, we will further enhance our provision through a programme of professional development with Cambridge Oracy, helping us embed a consistent and progressive approach across the school. Alongside this, our Your Voice assemblies and Oracy Group Assemblies will provide purposeful opportunities for children to practise speaking in front of different audiences, develop key oracy behaviours and build confidence in communicating with others.

Impact

As a result, children become increasingly confident communicators who can express their thoughts, opinions and ideas clearly and respectfully. They develop strong listening skills, engage thoughtfully in discussion and use talk effectively to support their learning and reasoning. Through opportunities to present, perform and collaborate, pupils grow in confidence and resilience, becoming effective communicators across all areas of the curriculum. By building on prior learning and making connections between experiences, children develop the skills, confidence and voice needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

 

Vocabulary

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children are introduced to weekly Buzz Words linked to their focus text. These carefully chosen words are selected to broaden children's vocabulary and develop their understanding of language. Each word is explicitly taught, explored and discussed, with actions often created alongside the children to help make the vocabulary memorable and meaningful. Throughout the week, children are encouraged to use these words in their speaking and writing, helping them to become part of their everyday language. Buzz Words are displayed on working walls and regularly revisited to support retention and application.

Throughout the school, vocabulary is recognised as a key driver of learning and communication. New vocabulary is introduced across all subjects and is carefully selected to support children's understanding of new concepts and ideas. Vocabulary is dual coded, helping children make stronger connections between words and their meanings. New words are displayed on working walls, referred to regularly and actively encouraged within both discussion and written work across the curriculum.

In reading lessons, key vocabulary is identified from the text and explicitly taught before reading. Children explore the meaning of new words through visuals, child-friendly definitions and by seeing the words used within the context of the text itself. This approach helps children develop a deeper understanding of language and supports comprehension. As children progress, they are also encouraged to explore the morphology and etymology of words, developing an understanding of how words are constructed and how their meanings have evolved over time. Through this consistent approach, we aim to develop confident communicators with a rich and growing vocabulary that enhances their speaking, reading and writing.

 

 

Combs Oracy Champion - Mrs Aldred