School Improvement

WPA Lesson Study – Driving Innovation in Oracy

2024-25 WPA teachers took part in a Lesson Study project focused on strengthening oracy—supporting pupils to speak with confidence, clarity and purpose. Working collaboratively, staff planned, taught and refined lessons that prioritised structured talk, vocabulary development and inclusive discussion strategies.

Across the school, teachers embedded high‑impact approaches such as talk partners, stem sentences, visual scaffolds, cold calling and “My Turn, Your Turn” routines. These strategies ensured every child had opportunities to contribute, build on others’ ideas and develop effective communication skills.

School-wide Outcomes

Talk Habits posters are now displayed in all classrooms and have been shared across other schools in our Trust.

Protected Talk Time has been established weekly, enabling pupils to discuss current affairs through Picture News and broaden their understanding of the world.

Our annual Oracy Café now celebrates pupils’ public speaking, storytelling and debate in a relaxed, community‑focused environment

Looking ahead, WPA will continue to champion high-quality oracy experiences. Future developments include transforming the dining hall into a space that promotes meaningful “Chat and Chew” conversations and exploring mixed‑age seating to strengthen communication, confidence and belonging across year groups.

Through this ongoing research‑driven practice, WPA is building a culture where every child finds their voice—and knows it matters.