Runcorn All Saints CE Primary School celebrated as a national ‘Oracy Centre of Excellence’

Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School has been recognised as an Oracy Centre of Excellence by national oracy education charity, Voice 21, for its work developing students’ speaking, listening and communication skills. Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School was chosen to receive the status of ‘Oracy Centre of Excellence’ out of the 1200+ schools that Voice 21 works with annually and is the first school in Halton to achieve this recognition.

Oracy, like reading, writing and arithmetic, is a foundational skill that ensures students thrive at school and in life.  As a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence, Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School acts as a beacon of good practice for oracy across the school system.

Joanne Robertson, Headteacher says, “Our focus on oracy has transformed the way all of our pupils communicate with one another. We have seen a noticeable improvement in how they listen, articulate their thinking, and resolve conflicts with maturity and respect. Oracy has given every child a voice—and the confidence to use it constructively among their peers and beyond the classroom.

Tara Steele, Teacher and Oracy Lead says, It has been an absolute honour to lead Runcorn All Saints on its journey to becoming a Centre of Excellence for Oracy. Our children have worked exceptionally hard to develop their communication skills across the physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional strands of our oracy curriculum. As a result, they now thrive in discussions, both socially and academically, demonstrating confidence, curiosity, and respect for others' views. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and cannot wait to see what they accomplish as they continue their oracy journey.

Kim Smith, Chair of Governors says, “The Voice 21 programme has been extremely successful at Runcorn All Saints.  The improvement in the oracy skills of all of our children, including reception children, is evident in all areas of school life and beyond and I am so proud to be able to witness this first-hand on my visits to school. I am also impressed by the way the children are speaking outside of school.  I can hear in their everyday speech that their confidence is constantly improving and their vocabulary is increasing, and I have been pleasantly surprised by this on many an occasion recently.”

Dr Kate Paradine, CEO of Voice 21, says: “The Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence award certifies and celebrates schools that are changing the face of education. Runcorn All Saints C of E Primary School has demonstrated the quality of oracy education being provided across five areas of school life: their school’s vision, culture, curriculum, learning and impact on students. This whole school approach is at the heart of what it means to offer high-quality oracy education, which will enable every child to use their voice to thrive in school, work and life.”

Learn more Voice 21 visit their website: www.voice21.org