At St. Mary’s, we strive to create an oracy-rich community, where we ensure that all children feel that their voices are valued and listened to. The children are taught to use their voice confidently to: reason, negotiate, present and explore ideas to support their learning across the curriculum and to prepare them for later life.
When the children returned to school after half term, we participated in an oracy day. This consisted of a range of activities in which the children could develop their oral and aural skills.
Watch below to see some of the activities we participated in.
Speaking and Listening – From Early Years to Year 6
Voice 21 Oracy Framework
🎤 St Mary's Speech Fest 2026 🎤
What an incredible day of speaking, listening and inspiring others!
Today, our annual Speech Fest final took place at Staffordshire Libraries, showcasing the outstanding oracy skills of our pupils. After an impressive 180 children auditioned, just 14 finalists earned the opportunity to take to the stage and share speeches on topics close to their hearts.
We were delighted to welcome an esteemed judging panel:
⭐️ Adam Jogee for Newcastle-under-Lyme MP
⭐️ Mr Murray, Headteacher of St John Fisher Catholic College
⭐️ Justine Lomas, St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust School Transformation Partner
⭐️ Sue Griggs, Voice 21 School Relationship Lead
Our finalists spoke with confidence, conviction and enthusiasm, making the judges' task exceptionally difficult. Each speech reflected the hard work, courage and passion of the children involved.
A huge congratulations to our Speech Fest winners:
🥉 Raiha – Swimming 🏊♀️
🥈 Trishelle – The Life of an Immigrant 🌍
🥇 Leon – Reading and Writing 📚
We would also like to thank Darius and Lilly, two former St Mary's pupils, who did a fantastic job as our compères and helped the event run so smoothly. 🎤 Thank you to St John Fisher Catholic College and Newcastle-under-Lyme School for allowing them both to attend.
A special thank you goes to Staffordshire Libraries for hosting us and providing such a wonderful setting for the occasion. 📚
Speech Fest was a fantastic celebration of pupil voice and a reminder of the importance of giving every child the confidence and opportunity to express their ideas. We are incredibly proud of every finalist who stepped onto the stage today and shared their voice with such courage and skill.
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