Menu

St Leonards CE Primary Academy

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" Proverb 22:6

Oracy

Oracy in Forest School at St Leonards Church of England Primary Academy

 

Forest School offers powerful opportunities for students to develop oracy skills in meaningful, real-world contexts that make classroom learning more relevant and engaging. When children are outside, talk takes on a new purpose. They don't just learn words; they use them. Imagine a group of students working together to build a shelter: they discuss materials, negotiate roles, and problem-solve—each child practicing clear communication and applying the vocabulary of structure and stability in a way that no worksheet could achieve. This is oracy in action, where talk becomes truly purposeful.

In Forest School, the language of the classroom comes alive. When students explain how to use tools safely, they reinforce their understanding of both the words and the actions. Or when they reflect on the impact of deforestation, they move from abstract concepts to tangible connections with the environment around them. This practical application helps embed key terminology and ideas, making talk more meaningful and grounded in real-world experiences.

 

 

Outdoor learning also enhances oracy through peer collaboration. Group activities encourage students to express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully—whether they’re designing a wildlife habitat or discussing how to catch rainwater in a survival scenario. These exchanges develop crucial metacognitive skills as children articulate their thinking, ask questions, and refine their ideas in real time.

At Forest School, scaffolding through group discussions and guided reflection builds confidence, ensuring that even the quieter voices are heard. And because the learning is child-led, the talk is authentic and deeply engaging, with students taking ownership of both their ideas and their communication. In this dynamic setting, oracy becomes much more than a classroom objective... It becomes the key to unlocking understanding, cooperation, and confidence in the wider world.

Top