At Walton on the Hill Primary School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to find their voice. Oracy — the ability to communicate ideas clearly, confidently and respectfully — lies at the heart of learning and belonging. Through purposeful talk, debate, drama and performance, our children learn not only to express themselves but also to listen, empathise and collaborate.

We are proud of our work with Voice 21 and are committed to ensuring that every child becomes an articulate and confident speaker. Across the curriculum, oracy is woven into daily learning through Talk for Writing, hot-seating, debate, discussion and drama. These experiences encourage children to think deeply, explain their reasoning and communicate with clarity and conviction.

Performance and self-expression are central to our ethos. As a small school, every child has the chance to shine — whether performing in a curriculum-themed class assembly, singing and dancing in front of an audience, or taking a starring role in the Year 6 production. These performances are not just about showcasing talent; they are about building confidence, resilience and a sense of adventure. Over time, children grow from nervous first-time performers into poised, expressive individuals who can speak and perform with pride.

Our termly performances bring the whole community together — pupils, parents and staff — and celebrate learning through song, drama and movement. They are a living reflection of our motto: Belong – Learn – Shine. Each child has the chance to belong to something bigger, to learn through shared purpose, and to shine through their growing confidence and creativity.

Through our commitment to oracy and performance, we empower children to find their purpose and voice — skills that will stay with them for life. Whether speaking in assembly, performing on stage, or simply contributing in class, every Walton child learns that their voice matters, that they can make a difference, and that shining brightly begins with having the confidence to speak up.