ABSTRACT
Oracy skills and self-expression are arguably part of cultural capital that distinguishes between those students who can deploy these successfully as a learning technique and those who do not. Oracy skills are a paramount indicator of successful learning. We include within oracy skills, the importance of cultivating active listening skills. Whilst unable to control parental background and other home/background influencers, schools do have the potential for a ‘green shoots’ impact, through transforming students’ communication skills.
Speaking and debating skills aid enormously with extending self-expression, moving beyond basic vocabulary to more elaborate speech. Being articulate and succinct is necessary in day-to-day life. Now that the Spoken and Listening language assessments no longer count towards GCSE English Language outcomes, this can devalue the importance of speaking and listening skills within the curriculum. However, these skills as noted are key to developing the persuasive and negotiating skills, much needed for today’s jobs and increasingly so, for the jobs of tomorrow. Addressing social disadvantage through increasing students’ confidence in speaking, self-presentation and debating helps them become leaders of their own learning and develop the interpersonal skills they will need for further training and employment. We refer to good practice in schools.
