St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Gosport – Centre of Excellence for Oracy

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has been accredited as a Centre of Excellence for Oracy by Voice 21. The school has developed Oracy through the school culture and high expectations. This has had a significant impact on the children’s attitudes to learning and engagement in learning. On Friday 23^rd March, Dame Caroline Dienage and Kate Paradine (CEO of Voice 21) came to visit the school to formally celebrate and acknowledge this achievement. Dame Caroline Dienage went on a listening walk around the school and visited lessons to see the impact of quality oracy in lessons. A panel of pupils also spoke with her about their experience and questioned the impact of Oracy on her role as a Member of Parliament.

The Headteacher, Lauren O’Connor, is delighted with the achievement and is very proud of the pupils and the staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Elizabeth Speirs, the Oracy Lead at St Mary’s has shown determination in the development of quality speaking and listening.