Corpus Christi High School

An Approach to Introducing Voice 21 Training on a Whole-School Level George Truby and Kate Saleh

Rationale for Inquiry Corpus Christi and Oracy Whole-School Strategy • The notion of ‘eloquence’ permeates the school environment. This case study looks at one school’s approach to disseminating 1. Build in substantial professional development for staff from the outset Voice 21 training robustly. Catholic values are illustrated on corridor displays and are Corpus Christi recognised that significant literacy development would be taught as part of the curriculum. unlikely without substantial and ongoing professional development. They It focuses on a school’s approach to professional learning, have created a culture of continued professional development with a well- employing a ‘train the trainer’ model. stocked CPD library for staff to access research on pedagogy as well as an e- • Voice 21 training was undertaken in 2018-2019. The learning CPD platform, featuring staff blogs. Assistant Headteacher attended one session and the Literacy Context of School Coordinator attended the remaining sessions. • Corpus Christi Catholic High School is an 11 to 16, voluntary- 2. Recognise the importance of literacy as the gateway to the rest of the aided comprehensive school situated in . curriculum Corpus Christi started by having a clear message: oracy is a life-long skill, the benefits of which mediate and enhance all aspects of the curriculum. They kept the main thing, the main thing and consciously avoided ‘initiative • Currently, it has 1,100 pupils on roll. overload.’

• The school serves a wide catchment area, which covers 3. Select a leader with the authority and agency to make the decisions almost half of the , including , , needed to establish the project and maintain its momentum , Llanedeyrn, and . Although different members of staff attended each of the Voice 21 sessions, a key member of staff had the responsibility for organising the best approach to its dissemination and communicating the importance of the training.

Aims 4. Form a small project team of committed staff Corpus Christi trained the English team, as subject specialists, in Voice 21. • Give oracy, in general, greater importance The aims, methods and resources for the training were shared using Voice • Improve pupil confidence as orators 21’s online training platform. This was undertaken during directed time and allowed the English team to act as the role models for the Voice 21 • Embed strong oracy skills across curriculum strategies. • Provide pupils with greater opportunities outside of classroom to use their oracy skills 5. Provide ongoing support to staff • Align performance management objectives to the Voice 21 resources are readily accessible, and the English team are on- development of pupils’ oral skills. hand to provide support and build staff confidence.

KEY CONTACT: @CorpusChristiHS for more information on their Voice 21 roll out strategy or their approaches to professional learning.