Voice 21

We are proud to be a member of Voice 21 during the school year 2024/2025. During the year the Voice 21 programme will support us in further developing students’ oracy (speaking and listening) skills. In Voice 21 Schools, students learn the oracy skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Spoken language skills are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future life chances but too many children are not given the opportunity to develop these crucial skills, we want to ensure that each child has the skills, knowledge and ability to speak with clarity and confidence in a range of situations.

Our oracy vision for children at St Michael’s, is that all children have a voice and have the speaking and listening skills they need to equip them for life.

Why oracy matters?

By teaching students to become effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them.

• Speaking and listening skills are critical foundations for reading and writing.
• Students with better oral language skills are more likely to achieve the highest grades in GCSE Maths and English.
• Young people with good communication skills are less likely to have mental health difficulties.