The Oracy Education Commission’s Final Report, 'We Need to Talk', makes a persuasive case for greater attention to be given to oracy education across the English education system: https://lnkd.in/enAFMeq7
At the National Literacy Trust, we define literacy as the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that enables us to communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
We believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to find, develop and express their authentic voice. Oracy — the ability to articulate thoughts, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue — is fundamental to achieving this.
Our recent policy paper, 'Creating confident communicators', makes a series of proposals that align with and complement the Oracy Education Commission’s recommendations. We particularly welcome the report’s emphasis on the importance of speech, language, and communication development in the early years, recognition of the value of linguistic diversity and proposal to integrate speaking, listening and communication into every subject across the curriculum.
Our work at the National Literacy Trust is already helping to develop children, young people and families' oracy skills:
✅ We are committed to supporting families from birth through campaigns like Early Words Matter and programmes like Early Words Together.
✅ We work to enrich the school curriculum through creative and inspiring poetry-led workshops such as the West Yorkshire Young Poet Laureate Programme, and equip teachers with expert training to develop oracy in a primary setting.
✅ Words for Work is another vital part of our portfolio, ensuring older students in KS3, KS4 and post-16 settings are empowered and equipped with the literacy skills they need to thrive, find employment beyond education and set themselves up for a future bursting with opportunity.
✅ Oracy workshops, programmes and experiences targeted at those in the prison community or young people facing exclusion are also a key part of our current work.
We look forward to working with our partners to drive the oracy agenda forward. Over the next few weeks, we are working with partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors to inform the government’s curriculum and assessment review. If you would like to take part in these discussions please get in touch by emailing policy@literacytrust.org.uk or sending us a direct message.
Read our 'Creating confident communicators' policy report: https://lnkd.in/e6FkfJYe