Why Oracy Should Be at the Heart of Every Classroom

Let’s start with this question: when was the last time you heard a child really talk? Not just answer with a “yes” or “no,” but express themselves—explain their ideas, ask questions, think aloud? That’s the magic of oracy, the skill of speaking and listening, and we need much more of it in our schools.

Oracy: The Fourth “R”

For years, we’ve heard about the “Three Rs”—Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic—but what about oracy? Voice 21, the national charity dedicated to oracy education, is pushing for this crucial skill to be treated with the same importance. Imagine a curriculum where speaking and listening are embedded into every subject. Not just in English, but across maths, science, and history. Giving students the chance to discuss what they’re learning deepens their understanding, builds confidence, and boosts engagement (Voice 21, 2024).

It’s More Than Just Talking

Oracy isn’t just about talking for the sake of it. It’s about thinking. When students are encouraged to debate, explain, and express their ideas, they develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Studies from Voice 21 show that schools focusing on oracy report significant improvements in student engagement and achievement, particularly in reading and vocabulary development (Voice 21, 2021). Oracy doesn’t just build academic skills but also supports social-emotional wellbeing, giving students the confidence to speak up and articulate their thoughts (Voice 21, 2024).

Levelling the Playing Field

Oracy is not just an academic skill—it’s essential for equity. Some children come to school from language-rich environments, while others do not. By embedding oracy into the curriculum, all children—regardless of background—gain the opportunity to develop critical communication skills. This is essential for promoting social mobility and ensuring that every child has the confidence to use their voice, both in and out of the classroom (Voice 21, 2024; Voice 21, 2023).

The Evidence Speaks for Itself

There is compelling evidence that oracy has a significant impact on learning. In schools working with Voice 21, 77% of teachers saw improvements in student attainment, and 90% noticed enhanced speaking skills (Voice 21, 2022). This impact is especially crucial as students transition from primary to secondary education, a time when confidence often drops. Oracy provides students with the skills they need to face these challenges head-on, giving them a platform to succeed both academically and socially (Voice 21, 2023).

Governmental Support

The importance of oracy hasn’t gone unnoticed in policy circles. Labour leader Keir Starmer has committed to placing oracy at the heart of the national curriculum. The Oracy Education Commission, backed by Voice 21, aims to ensure that every student in every classroom receives high-quality oracy education (Voice 21, 2024). This shift could bring oracy to the forefront of education policy, ensuring that speaking skills are treated with the same importance as reading and writing.

Why Oracy Matters

So, why does oracy matter? Because when children speak, they’re learning, thinking, and growing. Oracy isn’t an add-on or an extra. It’s a vital part of how children engage with the world and make sense of their learning. Every child deserves the opportunity to be heard, to think out loud, and to find their voice.

Oracy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s time we made sure every child has the tools to speak, learn, and succeed.

References

Voice 21. (2021). The Voicing Vocabulary Report 2021-23. Voice 21. https://voice21.org/voicing-vocabulary-report/

Voice 21. (2022). Insights and Impact Report 2021-22. Voice 21. https://voice21.org/insights-23/

Voice 21. (2023). Impact Report 2022-2023. Voice 21. https://voice21.org/publications/

Voice 21. (2024). We Need to Talk: The Future of Oracy Education. Voice 21. https://voice21.org/oracy-education-commission-report/