Teaching oracy: Five practical steps for primary schools

Oracy is a set of skills which should be nurtured from the early years through to secondary education, empowering children to think critically, communicate effectively, and participate confidently in society.

Indeed, the recently published Oracy Education Commission report – We need to talk – positions oracy as the "fourth R," alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic.

The commission defines oracy as intrinsic to children’s development, social and emotional wellbeing, and their ability to engage constructively in debate and discussion.

It enables children to test their thoughts, develop confidence, and build essential life-skills, such as negotiation, persuasion, and active listening. In a world which appears to be increasingly polarised, these abilities are vital for fostering empathy and respectful dialogue.