Green Meadow Primary School showcases oracy excellence at Midlands open morning
Green Meadow Primary School, part of Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust, recently welcomed 26 educators from across the Midlands for its Voice 21 Oracy Open Morning, offering a close look at how the school teaches oracy as a central part of its curriculum.
Visitors joined staff for a whole school listening walk, observing oracy in action in classrooms from early years through to Year 6. Teachers demonstrated how the Voice 21 Oracy Framework shapes spoken language in lessons and how discussion guidelines help pupils develop confidence, clarity and respectful dialogue. Guests also attended a series of No Outsiders assemblies where pupils showed how they use oracy to explore difference, inclusion and respectful disagreement.
The impact on pupils was a stand-out theme in feedback from attendees. Several described being struck by the confidence and clarity of Green Meadow’s pupils, with comments highlighting how articulate and ready children were to share their thinking in class. One visiting school said they were impressed by pupils who were a credit to themselves and the school, while others noted the strong love of learning on display and the way children expressed ideas with eloquence. Staff enthusiasm was also praised, with leaders and teachers described as energetic, passionate and inspiring to observe.
Green Meadow’s Acting Assistant Head Teacher and Oracy Lead, Chloe Mullard, delivered a presentation on the school’s work to become a Voice 21 Centre of Excellence and the way oracy is embedded across subjects. She highlighted how the school uses the No Outsiders approach to ensure every child feels valued and heard.
Speaking on the day, Chloe Mullard said:
“Our pupils learn that their voices matter, and that how they listen, respond and collaborate has real impact. Opening our doors to colleagues from across the region is an important part of sharing what works and continuing to refine our approach. We are proud of the progress our pupils make when oracy is treated as a vital skill rather than an optional extra.”
Acting Head Teacher, Katherine Cross, said:
“The atmosphere across the school during the listening walk reflects the commitment of our staff and pupils. Oracy has become a thread that shapes how children learn, show tolerance and approach challenge. It was a privilege to welcome visitors in and let them see that for themselves.”
Hazel Pulley, CEO of Excelsior Multi Academy Trust, said:
“Green Meadow is leading the way in demonstrating how oracy raises aspiration and strengthens inclusion. The team’s ambition to achieve Centre of Excellence status is driven by a real belief in giving every child the tools they need to communicate with confidence. The open morning showed the depth of that work and its impact on pupils.”
Green Meadow Primary School will continue to develop its partnership with Voice 21 over the coming year as it builds on its achievement as a recognised Centre of Excellence.