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Spotlight on Confidence

Oracy gives children and young people the skills to express themselves and develop their character
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When oracy is explicitly taught, schools find:
That the first step to talking in classrooms is the belief that you have something to say.
Over time, confidence leads to students that aren't intimidated in talking to different audiences.
That students have lots to say but struggle to find the words to express it productively, oracy teaches students how to debate and discuss.
That oracy isn’t just presentational talk, it develops confidence in all aspects of life.
That young people are more prepared and ready to step into the wider world.
It’s not about how eloquently you speak or where you’re from. It’s about being confident in reading the cues of others.
Emotional and social wellbeing

High-quality oracy education helps children navigate the world by communicating their needs.

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Valuing every voice in the classroom 

Encouraging students to support each other through talk has helped make the classroom a more inclusive space. Less confident speakers feel more able to use eye contact and contribute to discussions in small groups and more. For students who were previously quiet, oracy skills are supporting them to confidently use their voice.

Teaching oracy skills explicitly matters because it gives children the ability to articulate emotions, express their feelings and communicate effectively in different contexts. 

Voice 21 2022/23 Impact Report

In our most recent Impact Report, four case studies explore the impact of oracy on teachers and students, with key findings and themes that include:

  • Grove Street Primary talks about creating safe spaces for children to have the confidence to share their feelings
  • Summerhill Academy are taking the fear of getting it wrong by focussing on the process of talk to get to an outcome
  • At Hayfield Secondary, Josh, who was assessed for dyslexia last year, feels more confident about reading when there's time to discuss the texts
  • Over 3 years, the number of teachers in schools we work with who rated themselves as confident oracy practitioners, increased from 30% to 70%.

Download the impact report
Anxiety at transition

Self-confidence empowers and prepares students for their next transition.

Developing skills for the workplace

In this video, Robyn Bruce, Headteacher at Cubitt Town, shares with us that a key skillset for the workplace is the confidence to communicate. By practicing oracy across the school, students are better prepared for talk in different contexts and for the future.

Continue learning about the impact of oracy in schools

Spotlight on oracy
Behaviour & Culture
Impact

Through oracy children are better able to regulate, communicate and manage their feelings in difficult situations. Find out more about the link between oracy and behaviour & culture.

Find out more
Spotlight on oracy
Vocabulary
Impact

The confidence to speak up, build new relationships and be agile communicators, prepares children and young people for success in school life and beyond. Learn more about the link between oracy and confidence.

Find out more