At Townsend, we use a variety of opportunities in lessons and in enrichment activities to develop oracy skills for our students.

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding, and engage with others through spoken language – essentially the skill of listening, speaking and communicating effectively. We want students to be able to learn through structured talk, to be heard and to have a voice in a busy world.

How can you harness and practise these oracy skills at home?

Parents can develop oracy skills at home by encouraging children to answer in full sentences, asking open-ended “why” and “how” questions, and actively listening without interrupting. Daily routines like family meals and car rides provide natural, low-pressure environments to practice expressing thoughts, expanding vocabulary, and debating ideas

Some practical ways to use oracy at home:

• Storytelling & Role-Play: Take turns making up a story by adding one sentence each or ask your child to retell their favourite book in their own words.
• Family Debates: Hold friendly debates during dinner (e.g., “Should we have pizza or pasta tonight?”). Encourage your child to persuade you by providing strong reasons for their choice.
• “Teach Me” Sessions: Let your child become the expert and teach you about a topic they love, such as dinosaurs, a video game, or a hobby.
• Play Oracy Games: Board games like Articulate, Guess Who, or simple, quick games like Would You Rather naturally build descriptive vocabulary and listening skills.
• Audiobooks & Discussion: Listen to Audiobooks together and discuss the plot, character choices, or new vocabulary words afterwards.
  

Mrs M Buckland
Assistant Headteacher

As the digital world grows more and more complicated, Kids World Online, has a huge amount of information and support guidance for parents.

Please take a look at what they offer so that you are able to support your children when using online platforms.

https://www.kidsonlineworld.com/parents–carers.html

Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher

Please see the below message from University of Hertfordshire.

We’re excited to invite you to our series of online events taking place in May- designed to support students, parents/guardians and anyone exploring their next steps in education.

Please see below for what’s coming up.

Students and parents/guardians can sign up to attend here.

Topic: Parent/Guardian Information Evening: Introduction to the application process and Student Finance

Date: Thursday 14th May

Time: 19:00-20:30

This session is aimed at Y12 Parents/Guardians and will be particularly useful for parents who did not attend university themselves. Parents/Guardians of Y13 are also welcome to attend. This is the same session we ran in the Autumn.

Topic: The Perils of Power Posing Research

Date: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Time: 16:30-17:15

You may have heard of research claiming that standing in a “power pose” can make you feel more powerful, act more confident, and feel less stressed. However, is this really true? In this session, we’ll discuss some of the issues with the “power posing” research in psychology and talk about what your posture really says about you.

Topic: Clearing: Everything you need to know

Date: Thursday 21st May

Time: 16:30-17:15

Clearing can be a great opportunity to find that perfect place. There are many reasons why you might choose this route: a change of mind about the course/university, needing a plan B, being a new applicant. Let us guide you through the process, so that you are ready, if you decide to use it.

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form

We are pleased to inform you that we have secured 60 places for Year 7 pupils to attend Herts School’s Farming Day, a practical and hands-on educational event focused on local food production and farming in Hertfordshire.

Event details are as follows:

• Date: Tuesday 30th June
• Time: Pupils will leave school at 9:15am and return by 3:15pm
• Location: Herts Showground, Redbourn
• Cost: £7 per pupil

During the day, pupils will take part in a range of small workshops, talks, and presentations led by local farmers. They will also have the opportunity to meet farm animals and learn about the machinery used in modern farming. This promises to be an engaging and educational experience.

Payment and consent must be completed via School Gateway by Friday 22^nd May. Please note that places are limited to 60 pupils. A waiting list will be taken on e all places are allocated.

What pupils will need:

• Full PE kit
• A packed lunch and drinks

There will be no purchasing facilities on site, so pupils will not need to bring any additional money.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to speak to Mrs Johnson.

Kind regards,

Mrs Johnson
Teaching Staff