At Engage Academy, speaking and listening are at the heart of everything we do. We know that strong communication skills are essential for learning, wellbeing and building positive relationships, so opportunities to talk, listen and interact are woven throughout the school day.
Pupils develop their speaking and listening skills during breakfast assembly, snack time and lunchtime, with a focus on conversation, turn‑taking and active listening. Staff consistently model positive communication, helping pupils to build confidence and express themselves clearly in a safe, supportive environment. We previously worked alongside Voice 21, which strengthened our whole‑school approach to oracy. This work supports a talk‑rich environment where pupils are encouraged to share ideas, develop their vocabulary and grow in confidence. It also helps staff and parents understand the powerful impact that high‑quality talk has on pupils’ social, emotional and academic development.
We use WellComm speech and language assessments to identify each pupil’s individual communication needs. These assessments help us to plan targeted interventions, monitor progress and, where appropriate, make referrals to external professionals so pupils receive the right support at the right time.
