October 1-31 2024 Listen up!
Oracy October
Oracy October is back and this year’s theme is all about ‘listening’. Throughout the month we’ll be reflecting on the role listening plays in oracy, and how you can support your students to become great listeners.
Are you currently registered as a Voice 21 Oracy School?
What you can expect during Oracy October 2024
We have lots of great content that you can access throughout October highlighting the key role listening plays in school and beyond, including:
- Expert-led webinars
- Free resource packs to share with your students
- Stories from students and their experiences of what it feels like to be truly listened to
- Specialist blogs
"That moment when our children realise that everyone is listening to them is really powerful. It helps them understand that they are a valued and important member of our community."
Chris Barratt, Headteacher
Summerhill Academy
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The Great Oracy Exhibition 2024: SOLD OUT
Listen up!
Webinar programme
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3.45pm Tuesday 1st October
Can you teach listening?
‘Listen’ is one of the most commonly heard instructions in class. But what does it mean to actually listen, and can we teach students how to do it well?
Join us to unpack what it takes to really listen and hear directly from teachers and experts about how this invisible but essential skill can be broken down and taught.
You’ll leave with a new appreciation for what it means to ask your class to ‘listen’ and practical approaches to help them to do so effectively.
Host: Alice Stott, Director of Programmes and Engagement at Voice 21
Panel:
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Lauren Colville, Training Delivery Manager, Samaritans
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Kate Saleh, Teacher, Corpus Christi High School
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Dr Thomas Vaughan, Social Psychologist, Cardiff University
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3.45pm Tuesday 8th October
Inclusive listening: how to ensure every voice is heard
It takes the whole class to make a classroom inclusive. This session will explore the ways in which oracy practices enable you to teach and foster inclusive listening practices.
Hear from experienced teachers and practitioners who’ve shifted the balance from making your voice heard to ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
You’ll leave with fresh ideas that you can use to reflect on the equitability of talk in your classroom, and ensure that your oracy practice is one that every child can access, whatever their starting point.
Host: Amanda Moorghen, Head of Learning, Impact and Policy at Voice 21
Panel:
- Sally Edwards, Hill Farm School (Oracy Centre of Excellence). Trust Primary Lead, Castle Phoenix Trust
- Wendy Lee, Professional Director, Lingo
- Mohamed Abdallah, Head of Inclusive Leadership Course for The Difference
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3.45pm Thursday 10th October
Cultivating a culture of listening: a whole school approach
Listening to our students and amplifying their voices doesn’t stop at the classroom door.
In this session we will explore examples of best practice in fostering student agency and providing platforms from which students’ voices can be truly heard and valued as part of a whole school culture of oracy.
You’ll leave this session with a better understanding of how to create opportunities to listen to your students about what matters most to them both in school and beyond.
Host: Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead at Voice 21
Panel:
- Karl Cross from Barrowford - students championing causes
- Lisa Clenagham, Meden School - student voice
- Emily Thomas, Oracy and Key Stage Leader, Pinner Wood
- Sarah Marriott, Head Teacher, Pinner Wood
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3.45pm Tuesday 22nd October
Exploring the role of listening in dialogic pedagogy
In this session we will explore why listening is essential to foster meaningful dialogue which promotes learning in the classroom.
We’ll be joined by experts in dialogic teaching who will explore how, through effective listening, you can develop your students’ thinking and understanding and promote student agency. We’ll also address potential barriers to achieving a truly dialogic classroom, including our own listening practices, and consider how to overcome these challenges.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to create a dialogic classroom where you and your students engage in rich, productive dialogue which furthers learning.
Host: Amanda Moorghen, Head of Learning, Impact and Policy at Voice 21
Panel:
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Darren Chetty, author and Lecturer, Arts & Sciences, University College London
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Fiona Maine,Professor of Language and Literacy in Education, University of Exeter
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Julia Snell, Professor of Sociolinguistics, University of Leeds
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Inspirational Speakers
Meet the hosts
Amanda Moorghen
Head of Learning, Impact and Policy at Voice 21
Alice Stott
Director of Programmes and Engagement at Voice 21
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Kathleen McBride
Senior Learning and Innovation Lead at Voice 21
Free Oracy Resource
Our free Listen Up! Oracy October resource packs are available to download now
We have a range of resources for all ages that you can access today to help your students become better listeners, including:
- Early Years
- Primary
- Secondary
- Teacher (that’s for you!)
In each resource pack we have provided a series of challenges for students to complete throughout October. Each challenge focuses on a different context for listening, allowing your students to practise and hone their listening skills and understand how their listening skills can help them in school and beyond.
The challenges can be completed either in the classroom or at home, and can be provided to students digitally or printed. We have designed them to be used in whatever way works best for you and your students.
We’d love to know if your students enjoy our Oracy October challenges!
You could upload videos, pictures of the challenges in action, or even ask them to write down their reflections after completing each challenge. We look forward to seeing your contributions.
Share your thoughts with us on X/Twitter.
Tag @voice21oracy and use the hashtag #OracyOctober
