Oracy refers to the skills of speaking, listening, and participating meaningfully in discussions, so no wonder it’s important in a world that increasingly values effective communication.
The recently published Oracy Education Commission Report, We Need to Talk, shines a spotlight on the vital role that oracy should play in education. In this blog, we’ll share four key findings from the report that we believe every teacher should consider, to help students succeed in school and beyond.
1. We need to make oracy a core curriculum goal
The report recommends that the National Curriculum place greater emphasis on oracy as a vital part of education, making it a key focus across all school years and subjects. It should outline the essential oracy skills students need, along with the experiences they should have in school. The report breaks this down into three interconnected dimensions:
- Learning To Talk: Develop speaking, listening, and communication skills. Oracy should be treated like a core subject, just like maths or art, fostering student confidence in expressing their ideas clearly.
- Learning Through Talk: Encourage your students to speak up in the classroom. When students challenge and build on each other’s ideas, this can improve engagement and academic performance. We suggest four teaching techniques that can facilitate this.
- Learning About Talk: Explore how language works in different contexts, including non-verbal communication and language diversity. Language isn’t just about words; it’s shaped by culture, history, and psychology. Understanding these layers helps students communicate thoughtfully and effectively.
2. We need to integrate oracy across the curriculum
The Commission emphasised the importance of embedding oracy throughout a child’s educational journey, starting from early years through to secondary school. Early language experiences are key to cognitive development and are strong predictors of future academic success. So, by integrating oracy at every stage, we not only enhance students’ academic performance but also equip them with essential communication skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. But how can we make this happen?
First, we know that strong communication skills impact achievement across all subjects, from Maths to literacy. This means oracy isn’t a one-size-fits-all skill – it should be tailored to specific subjects. Each discipline has its own style of communication, whether it’s crafting an argument in history or discussing hypotheses in science. We explore how to integrate Oracy within schools. By teaching students to communicate effectively within each subject, they learn to engage in meaningful, subject-specific conversations that align with the goals and language unique to each discipline.
Another important link is between oracy and literacy, as speaking and listening are the foundation of literacy development. The report highlights that a student’s ability to communicate is closely tied to their success in reading and writing. Oracy-rich teaching approaches reinforce vocabulary, helping students connect new words to their existing knowledge and use them in various contexts.
3. We need to recognise that oracy extends beyond the classroom
The benefits of oracy extend far beyond academic achievement. The report highlights how strong communication skills are key for employability, active citizenship, and personal well-being.
In today’s job market, clear communication is a top priority for employers. Skills like public speaking, active listening, and expressing ideas clearly are valued in nearly every profession. By developing these skills in school, we’re equipping students to be more prepared for the workforce. Moreover, oracy education can boost mental health and well-being by giving students the tools they need to share their feelings and ask for help. When students have the chance to express themselves, it not only helps them communicate better but also contributes to a supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being.
4. We need to implement effective teacher training
Oracy still needs to be embedded in the National Curriculum, but it’s the decisions made by school leaders and teachers that will truly determine how impactful oracy education is. To make a real difference, teachers should be empowered with the right tools and guidance for oracy to have a lasting impact.
Educators need to have strategies in place to encourage meaningful conversations, stimulate critical thinking, and assess how well students are speaking and listening. This kind of professional development is key to creating inclusive classrooms where every student feels valued and heard. It’s also important for the school curriculum to outline clear oracy objectives. This way, teachers have a roadmap for the communication skills they should be helping their students develop, making sure that lessons are structured and focused. When it comes to assessing oracy skills, schools should shift towards more supportive and constructive methods, stepping away from high-stakes testing and instead concentrating on tracking students’ progress in speaking and listening.
Final thoughts
Oracy is ultimately much more than just clear speaking. It’s a combination of cognitive, social-emotional, and physical skills that are essential for learning and meaningful interaction. By integrating oracy across the curriculum, teachers can enhance students’ learning experiences and equip them for future success. The report emphasises that promoting oracy requires evidence-based approaches, including non-statutory guidance, training, and resources for school leaders and teachers.
Treating oracy as the “fourth R,” just as fundamental as reading, writing, and arithmetic, ensures it becomes an entitlement for all students. By prioritising oracy, we can foster a generation of confident, articulate students ready to engage with the world around them. For guidance on integrating oracy into your classroom, have a look at our comprehensive guide here.
