A PRIMARY school has received a national award for helping students find their voice – becoming one of only 54 schools in the British Isles to receive the accreditation.
St Saviour’s School has been named a national “centre of excellence” for oracy – defined as the ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech – by charity Voice 21 for staff’s work developing students’ speaking and listening skills.
St Saviour’s is the second school in Jersey to secure the achievement after Samarès School received the accolade last year.
The Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence award certifies schools that support students to find their voice, which the charity says can “transform” their learning and life chances.
The charity works with more than 1,000 schools across the UK. St Saviour’s is now one of 54 with accredited status.
The school had to demonstrate the quality of oracy education being provided across five areas: the school’s vision, culture, curriculum, learning and impact on students.
Jersey oracy development lead Andrew Willis said that oracy education at St Saviour’s had boosted the confidence of pupils and empowered them to express themselves.
He said: “This is a very well-deserved recognition of the excellent achievement of St Saviour’s School. Teachers’ use of oracy approaches in their teaching has had a huge impact on the learning and confidence of pupils.
“Through having their voice heard children have been empowered to express themselves and to have their say in decision-making in the school. The result is a warm, supportive and energetic culture where every single member of the school, child and adult alike, have the skills and sense of responsibility to have their say.”
All 32 government schools are involved with Voice 21 and will continue to roll out the oracy programme over this academic year, the government said in a statement.
Mr Willis added: “Our schools and colleges are determined in their mission to nurture confident citizens, keen to be involved in planning for the future.”
Education Minister Rob Ward, said: “I’m thrilled that Jersey now has two ‘centres of excellence’ for oracy, and I’d like to congratulate St Saviour’s School on their fantastic achievement. I am aware of how hard both staff and students have worked to receive this nationally recognised accreditation.
He continued: “I am immensely proud that all mainstream government schools are fully engaged with the oracy programme, which will considerably benefit all students’
education and learning opportunities.”
