Campaign to improve pupils’ speaking skills through teacher training

The Oracy Network has been set up as a campaign group calling for extra training and support to help teachers develop pupils’ speaking skills

The launch comes alongside research by the think tank LKMCo and polling of teachers by YouGov that pointed to a need for an increased focus on speaking and listening skill development in schools.

Of more than 900 teachers polled, 57 per cent of respondents said they had not received any training in oracy in the last three years, while 53 per cent said they would not know where to look for more information if they wanted it.

The Oracy Network was set up by Voice 21, an organisation linked to School 21, an east London free school, and the English-Speaking Union.

The organisation will develop training programmes and resources for schools alongside a network of specialist oracy teachers and regional hubs.