St Barnabas CE Primary has been named as an Oracy Centre of Excellence by national charity, Voice 21, for its work on oracy.
Oracy refers to the ability to express yourself fluently and communicate effectively with other people
The school was chosen out of 1,150 schools that Voice 21 supports each year.
Being an Oracy Centre of Excellence means that St Barnabas is a ‘beacon of good practice for oracy’ across the school system.
Sarah Hanson, headteacher of St Barnabas CE Primary, said: “We are delighted to receive this accreditation.
“We are the only primary school Oracy Centre of Excellence in the whole of Worcestershire meaning we are setting the gold standard for our children at St Barnabas.
“It is vital that the next generation have the skills to communicate, problem solve and disagree agreeably and we are working hard to make sure that this is the case.
“Our Centre of Excellence status is down to the hard work of our teaching staff and the engagement from our wonderful community of parents.
“Thank you.”
The school has developed poetry slams, speech-making events and classroom practices to foster students’ speaking and listening abilities.
In addition, St Barnabas CE Primary established and hosted the Worcestershire Primary Schools debating competition.
Dr Kate Paradine, CEO of Voice 21, said: “The Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence award certifies and celebrates schools who are changing the face of education.
“St Barnabas CE Primary 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.”
