Rose Street Primary celebrated as a national ‘Oracy Centre of Excellence’

Today, Rose Street Primary, part of the Sheerness West Federation on the Isle of Sheppey is set to be recognised as an Oracy Centre of Excellence by national oracy education charity, Voice 21, for its work developing students’ speaking, listening and communication skills.

Rose Street was chosen to receive the status of ‘Oracy Centre of Excellence’ out of the 1200+ schools that Voice 21 works with annually.

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, Rose Street acts as a beacon of good practice for oracy across the school system.

About Voice 21:

We believe that schools have the power to change a child’s life and create a fairer society. Oracy sets children up for success in school and life. Voice 21 supports schools to deliver high-quality oracy education by ensuring speaking, listening and communication are part of the curriculum, teaching and wider school life. Oracy is articulating ideas, developing understanding and engaging with others through speaking, listening and communication. It supports children to get the best start in life and be ready to learn.

We work in the schools in which we can make the biggest difference. In Voice 21 schools, you will hear students solving problems collaboratively in maths and dissecting arguments in history, talking through conflicts in the playground and leading assemblies. Like literacy and numeracy, oracy is teachable. It is foundational for learning, work, creating healthy relationships with other
people, and building stronger communities.

Mrs Mackay, Head of School says, "The Voice 21 Oracy Project has significantly strengthened and enriched our curriculum while enhancing our teaching strategies in a variety of ways. These approaches have not only empowered our pupils by giving them a voice and a strong sense of ownership over their learning but have also improved their ability to access learning through adaptive teaching practices. Furthermore, the skills they have developed enable them to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and engage more deeply with their learning. As a result, pupils are increasingly curious, reflective, and confident in exploring ideas in greater depth.”

Mrs Monticelli, Assistant Head and Oracy Lead says, “Rose Street has been part of the Voice 21 Oracy programme for over 4 years. We are so proud of our children and how they are able to confidently articulate their ideas, share their opinions and to understand that their voice matters. Oracy is weaved throughout everything we do at Rose Street and our involvement with Voice21 has been transformational."

Mrs Brown, parent says, “Oracy has helped my children share their learning with me. It has massively improved their confidence and they’re now teaching me new vocabulary!”

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. Rose Street 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.”

Mr Ben Cooper, Executive Headteacher says: "Following successful Ofsted inspections at both of the Sheerness West Federation schools, Rose Street and West Minster Primary schools, within the last 12 months. This is just another example of the fantastic work taking place in our schools, where others might think that the circumstances would prevent this. The hard work of the team and their dedication to the children they serve is an inspiration to behold. We look forward to welcoming colleagues to see our excellent practice at our wonderful schools. There really is so much to learn from the work that is going on here, and for Rose Street to have achieved this Centre of Excellence status, as one of the first in the Southeast region to do so, is just fantastic. Well done Rose Street team!"