Embedding Oracy: How to implement a school culture where children talk, listen and are heard

The practical guide for school leaders and teachers on how to implement and embed oracy into the fabric of school curriculum and community. Embedding Oracy unlocks the transformative impact of placing spoken language at the heart of school life.

Whilst oracy as an educational topic has never been more discussed, its still prone to misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Pitched where the research meets the reality, this book provides a personal and practical guide for school leaders and ensures oracy is equitable for all. Alice Stott and Amy Gaunt, oracy experts with Voice 21, present ways to embed oracy into the fabric of everyday teaching and learning - the classroom, the curriculum and the community. Through practical strategies, real examples, and evidence-based practices, Charles Hewitt guides you through his experiences as a school leader who has placed oracy as the key driver of school improvement, creating a culture where staff and children alike see talk as the difference-maker.

Grounded in evidence that oral language interventions can accelerate learning by five to seven months, especially in the Early Years, Embedding Oracy highlights oracy’s role in equity and achievement. It also shows how building a culture of talk equips students for life beyond school, where communication underpins success and well-being.