The Importance of Integrating Oracy Education into the National Curriculum

In today's fast-paced world, talking and listening skills—collectively known as oracy—are more important than ever. Research shows that effective communication can directly impact job opportunities, relationships, and overall success in life. With growing support for prioritizing oracy in schools, it is crucial to explore why integrating oracy education into the national curriculum can lead to better outcomes for all students. This post highlights the essential components of oracy education and underscores its significance in developing well-rounded individuals for our modern society.

Oracy Equals Equity

Oracy is about more than just speaking. It is a foundational competency that can level the playing field. Students with strong oracy skills often find they have improved access to opportunities and resources. For instance, a recent survey indicated that students who demonstrate high oracy skills are 25% more likely to be employed within six months of graduation than their peers.

For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the absence of oracy education can exacerbate social inequalities. Many students miss out on chances to practice speaking, such as at home or in social interactions. Without structured oracy instruction, these gaps can persist, limiting their future opportunities and hindering their personal development.

Current Curriculum Ignores Oracy

One of the most significant barriers to effective oracy education is its lack of presence in formal assessments and national standards. According to research by the Education Endowment Foundation, only 20% of UK schools incorporate structured oracy programs into their curriculums, leading to a stark inequality in oracy skill development across different regions.

Many students miss the cognitive and social benefits that come from daily discussions and structured dialogues. As educational needs evolve, it is increasingly imperative to address this gap to ensure all students have access to these essential communication skills.

Teachers and Experts Back It

Support for integrating oracy into the curriculum is on the rise among teachers, researchers, and advocates. Organizations like Voice 21 report that schools implementing oracy programs see a 15% increase in student engagement and a measurable improvement in academic performance.

Structured talk not only enhances speaking skills but improves critical thinking and collaborative learning. When students engage in meaningful dialogue, they develop deeper understanding and better retention of information. This growing consensus highlights the transformative potential oracy education brings to classrooms.

Speaking Matters More Than Ever

In our increasingly digital world, marked by technological advancements and AI, the ability to communicate effectively cannot be overstated. The Guardian reminds us that as machines can write, teaching children to speak becomes essential. Clear, confident communication is what sets humans apart in both personal and professional interactions.

By prioritizing oracy, schools enable students to navigate various social situations more effectively. In fact, research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers indicates that 85% of employers value communication skills above all other factors when hiring new graduates. This makes oracy education vital for preparing students for their future roles in society.

Political Opportunity

The current political climate presents a unique chance to advocate for oracy education. With the Labour government’s curriculum review underway, now is the time to embed oracy as a statutory element of education. The Guardian emphasizes this as a critical moment for policymakers to ensure that every child, regardless of background, can acquire these essential skills.

Addressing the historical neglect of oracy is crucial. By placing it on par with literacy and numeracy, we can provide a solid foundation for all students, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

The Benefits of Oracy Education

Oracy education comes with numerous advantages for students. When schools successfully integrate oracy, students can expect to see:

1. Enhanced Confidence: Regular speaking exercises help students build self-esteem, encouraging them to participate actively in their learning.

2. Improved Academic Performance: Articulating their thoughts clearly leads to greater understanding and retention of material, translating into better grades.

3. Stronger Relationships: Good communication skills foster better rapport with peers and teachers, creating a more collaborative learning environment.

   
   

Focusing on oracy equips students with critical life skills, fostering a generation of active, engaged individuals ready to improve society.

Addressing the Scepticisms

Some sceptics argue that other subjects, such as mathematics or science, need more attention than oracy. However, the truth is that all subjects benefit from effective communication skills. Teachers consistently notice that students with strong speaking abilities perform better academically.

Moreover, enhancing oracy skills does not detract from other subjects; it actually enriches the overall educational experience. A curriculum that includes oracy prepares students for both academic challenges and real-life interactions in a holistic manner.

Global Perspectives on Oracy Education

Worldwide, educators are beginning to embrace oracy and develop innovative teaching methods that focus on spoken language skills. For instance, Australia and New Zealand have integrated structured talk in their teaching practices, yielding impressive results in student engagement and comprehension.

These international examples provide valuable insights for the UK education system. Learning from global best practices can help improve the implementation of oracy and nurture a culture of continuous growth in our schools.

Practical Strategies for Implementing Oracy in Schools

Educators can utilize effective strategies to promote oracy and engage students in meaningful discussions. Here are some ideas:

• Structured Debates: Organizing debates on current topics encourages students to articulate their viewpoints while honing their listening skills.

• Group Presentations: Collaborative projects requiring presentations foster teamwork and enhance spoken communication.

  
  

Creating a culture of oracy in schools will demand commitment and creativity from educators, but the positive impacts will make it worthwhile.

Emphasizing the Need for Change

The ongoing discussions about oracy reflect a crucial need for change in how communication skills are integrated into education. The emphasis on embedding oracy into the national curriculum serves as a wake-up call for policymakers. As our society continues to evolve, prioritizing oracy alongside literacy and numeracy becomes essential.

Incorporating oracy education not only promotes equity but also enhances student outcomes, preparing learners for the complex world that lies ahead. Let us champion oracy education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to express themselves and be heard in an increasingly communicative society.

Ready to Make Oracy a Priority in Your School?

If we want young people to thrive in a world of AI, global communication, and civic complexity, we must start by giving them the confidence—and the tools—to speak up.

That’s where Loft Talk comes in.

🎤 Loft Talk, the brand-new oracy app from Learning Loft, is designed to help students build powerful speaking skills through engaging, structured activities.

From daily speaking challenges and confidence-building games, to model speeches and peer feedback tools—Loft Talk makes oracy fun, purposeful, and part of everyday learning.

Whether you're a classroom teacher or a whole-school leader, Loft Talk empowers every voice to be heard.

👉 Join the oracy revolution with Loft Talk—where every child learns to speak with purpose.

🔗 www.learningloft.co.uk