“Participating in Oracy gave me the skills and confidence to be able to converse with people of all walks of life and to articulate my views. It broadened my love of reading and, in my chosen career of the Science of Nursing, it has enabled me to empathise with patients, talk with their families and give lectures at university."
Jacqui Bridge
Oracy Australia is aligned with the Speaking & Listening strand of the Western Australian English Curriculum within the scope of Language for interaction and provides schools with affordable English Communication Assessments which are carried out on-site by qualified assessors. The focus is on Language for interaction between speaker and listener.
We offer flexible syllabuses which cater for the development of communication, presentation and performance skills.
The following assessments are available:
- Oral English
- English as a Second Language
- Drama
- Group Speaking
For an overview of the syllabuses, read the Syllabus Summary. A Fee Schedule is set out in Notes for Assessment Organisers.
We also offer the facility of selecting the date during the school calendar most convenient to your school.
Your students will gain the following important skills which will prepare them for future success:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Listening skills
- Enhanced comprehension
- Creativity
- Interpersonal skills
- Spontaneity and quick thinking
- Appreciation of language and literature
“Creating an authentic and valid Speaking and Listening task is often a challenge for classroom teachers. For more than a decade I used ORACY to meet the curriculum requirements. It was integrated as part of the Year 8 course to assess both components.
The benefits of using ORACY in this format mean that:
- Students’ level of engagement is high.
- Students’ confidence grows and develops.
- Students’ presentations are wide ranging showing a depth of understanding and knowledge.
- Those who often struggle with written tasks can demonstrate a wide range of skills and abilities in the ORACY assessment."
Susan Lazenby
Previously Head of English and Languages Learning Area
“Oracy Australia successfully trials refreshed English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) syllabus at Nollamara Primary School
Working closely with Associate Principal (Kendall Hammond) of Nollamara Primary School, Oracy put its revamped English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) syllabuses to the test in 2022. Fifty students ranging from Years 1 to 6 in Nollamara’s Intensive English programme enthusiastically participated, with Oracy’s qualified assessors extremely impressed by the work presented to them.
After the trial, a fourth level was added to the syllabus to cater for young students not yet able to read. This level allows students to use their own words in retelling a story from a picture book they’ve chosen.
A year after the initial trial, Oracy returned to Nollamara Primary School to re-test all four (EAL/D) syllabuses. Nearly 60 students from Years 1 to 6 participated in Oracy assessments over two very full and exciting days. The variety of material presented by students during their conversations with the listening groups was truly inspiring.
Oracy Australia anticipates even higher participation in the programme in 2024, and looks forward to continuing its dynamic collaboration with Nollamara Primary School into the future.
Kendall Hammond, Associate Principal
Nollamara Primary School has been successfully participating in Oracy’s (EAL/D) Assessments for a number of years. Our staff, students and families are very supportive of the program. They see the value in effective oral communication as fundamental to the development of the ‘whole person’. Students develop skills in effective speaking, active listening and grow their confidence to share ideas and knowledge. The skill of using spoken language is not only essential for educational progress, but also for young people to progress socially and become contributing members of the workforce.
Students at our Intensive English Centre are encouraged to discuss their ideas or participate in a conversation at home. However, for many of our students this is not always possible. The encouraging and friendly environment created within an Oracy assessment, provides an opportunity for our students to further develop their English language skills and apply reasoning skills in a group or social setting.
Oracy’s (EAL/D) syllabus is adaptive, achievable and progressive. The website also has terrific tools for teachers – practical tips, a wealth of resources and “HOW TO VIDEOS” to assist teachers prepare students for the assessments.
Kendall Hammond
Booking an assessment for your school is easy:
Step 1: Read Notes for Assessment Organiser which will assist you to fill in the booking form.
Step 2: Fill in the booking form requesting your preferred date for assessment accompanied by the $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Step 3: On confirmation of your booking, you will receive access to the resources section for teachers to assist you to prepare your students for assessment.
Step 4: Plan your time-table. Use the Master Time-Table to fill in your school’s recess and lunch times and fill in the students’ names. Note: 5 junior students and 4 senior students are assessed in an hour.
Step 5: To help you organise your school’s assessment please read Assessment Day Organisation which will give you information on how to arrange the room on the day and which forms to have prepared for the assessor.
ALERT: From October 2023, Oracy Australia has new bank details. The new bank details are set out on the booking form. Please ensure that your school is aware of these new bank details.
Have you considered booking assessments for Semester 1?
Some benefits of Semester 1 assessments include:
- Using the Oracy Australia feedback in Semester 1 school reports
- Continued oral language growth in each student throughout the year through goal setting based on Oracy Australia feedback
- Enhancing student confidence, organisational skills and communication skills early in the year
- Useful preparation for schoolwide or interschool speaking, debating or drama competitions
- No clash with secondary school exams or senior secondary school leaving requirements as all students are still on campus
- Fantastic addition to all students’ portfolios, including traineeship or job interviews.
If you have any further queries please contact Oracy Australia’s administrator Ms Anne Fox [email protected] ph: 0411 367 393.