Just like the two previous years, we have registered to take part in an Oracy competition ‘Look Who’s Talking’, organised by Gloucestershire Primary Heads Association. We really prioritise Oracy at our school as the ability to express ourselves clearly and communicate with others effectively, through spoken language is so important. By teaching our children to become more effective speakers and listeners, we are helping to give them the tools they need to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. We have outlined all the key information in this letter on how your child can take part.
How it works:
If your child chooses to take part, they will talk to their class for two minutes, about any subject that they choose and then a ‘Star Speaker’ will be chosen. The Star Speakers from every class will then get to talk in front of the whole school. The winners will then go on to the next stage and will represent our school in the competition with lots of other schools!
There are three categories:
Key Stage 1 Years 1 & 2
Lower Key Stage 2 Years 3 & 4
Upper Key Stage 2 Years 5 & 6
What can they talk about?
Children can talk for 2 minutes about absolutely anything at all that they like, are interested in, or have done! This is a task that will need to be prepared for and practiced at home – we will not be working on this in school. They will need to write and rehearse their speech, so please listen to them practice and give them lots of encouragement!
Make sure they are speaking with big voices, nice and clearly, so everyone can hear their talk and learn about their chosen topic. The winners will present the same talk at every stage, but you can work with them to hone it along the way. They cannot use any technology but can bring any props that they wish to use alongside their talk.
Heats
Class heats will be held the week commencing 1st December 2025. The winner from each class will then progress to the school heats where we choose a winner for each category. Category winners from each school will then progress to a Cheltenham Learning Partnership heat – Date TBC. Cheltenham Learning Partnership winners will take part in ‘Look Who’s Talking’ Finals at Gloucester Guildhall on 17th April 2026, with a panel of special judges, where their parents and carers can watch them on stage. The winners from here—’Super Star Speakers’ will open the annual Primary Head Teacher Conference and will win £150 for our school.
We are extremely excited to be taking part in this oracy competition. If you or your children have any questions, please either talk to their class teacher or contact Mrs Wintle or Ms Scarrett. The key date to remember is that children need to be ready with their two minute talk on Monday 1st December as the class heats will be completed that week.