The Commission Conversations Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:48:26 -0400 https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/ en-gb © 2026 The Oracy Education Commission yes 7234f3a9-4ad7-5b60-a38d-07953a9a20e4 The Oracy Education Commission episodic false Commission Conversations are short dialogues, discussions, and debates compiled by the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England. They are designed to explore 'oracy' at a theoretical and practical level, illuminating what oracy is, and why it matters so much.

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England is an independent commission, chaired by Geoff Barton and hosted by Voice 21.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Oracy, Education, Commission, Teaching, Voice, Speaking skills, School, The Oracy Education Commission https://storage.buzzsprout.com/t04n9k9lnfn4aqvo3xevawkmibu9?.jpg The Commission Conversations https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/ The Commission Conversations - The Speaking Summit 2025 The Commission Conversations - The Speaking Summit 2025 In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, catches up with Tim Oates CBE, Dame Alison Peacock, Baz Ramaih and Beccy Earnshaw at Voice 21's Speaking Summit conference to get their thoughts on oracy assessment, the Curriculum and Assessment Review's interim report and more.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, catches up with Tim Oates CBE, Dame Alison Peacock, Baz Ramaih and Beccy Earnshaw at Voice 21's Speaking Summit conference to get their thoughts on oracy assessment, the Curriculum and Assessment Review's interim report and more.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-16870317 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000 741 1 59 full false The Commission Conversations - Frank Cottrell-Boyce The Commission Conversations - Frank Cottrell-Boyce In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Frank Cottrell-Boyce about early language and reading.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce is the Children's Laureate. He is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Frank Cottrell-Boyce about early language and reading.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce is the Children's Laureate. He is a multi award-winning children’s book author and screenwriter. Millions, his debut children's novel, won the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15904510 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0100 1246 1 58 full false Commission Conversations - Teresa Cremin and Helen Hendry Commission Conversations - Teresa Cremin and Helen Hendry In this Commission Conversation, Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Professor Teresa Cremin and Dr Helen Hendry about oracy and reading for pleasure.

Professor Teresa Cremin is a Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA) and the English Association (EA). Additionally, she is a Trustee of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA), a Board member of the Reading Agency, a DfE expert on reading for pleasure, a member of the ESRC Peer Review College, and chair of the Advisory Group for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Teacher Development Fund for the Arts. 

Dr Helen Hendry is a specialist in early education with a particular focus on literacy and inclusion. She draws on nearly 30 years experience as a teacher, advisory teacher, teacher educator and researcher. She joined The Open University in 2019 as a lecturer on the MA in Education programme after 13 years working on a range of Education programmes at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln.

]]> In this Commission Conversation, Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Professor Teresa Cremin and Dr Helen Hendry about oracy and reading for pleasure.

Professor Teresa Cremin is a Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University and Co-Director of the Literacy and Social Justice Centre at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA) and the English Association (EA). Additionally, she is a Trustee of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA), a Board member of the Reading Agency, a DfE expert on reading for pleasure, a member of the ESRC Peer Review College, and chair of the Advisory Group for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Teacher Development Fund for the Arts. 

Dr Helen Hendry is a specialist in early education with a particular focus on literacy and inclusion. She draws on nearly 30 years experience as a teacher, advisory teacher, teacher educator and researcher. She joined The Open University in 2019 as a lecturer on the MA in Education programme after 13 years working on a range of Education programmes at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15881839 Mon, 07 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0100 885 1 58 full false The Commission Conversations - Dame Alison Peacock The Commission Conversations - Dame Alison Peacock In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Dame Alison Peacock about oracy in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), how oracy supports learning throughout a child's education and how we can incentivise schools to focus on oracy.  

Dame Alison Peacock is the CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching. Prior to joining the Chartered College, she was Executive Headteacher of The Wroxham School in Hertfordshire. Her career to date has spanned primary, secondary and advisory roles.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Dame Alison Peacock about oracy in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), how oracy supports learning throughout a child's education and how we can incentivise schools to focus on oracy.  

Dame Alison Peacock is the CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching. Prior to joining the Chartered College, she was Executive Headteacher of The Wroxham School in Hertfordshire. Her career to date has spanned primary, secondary and advisory roles.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15861735 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +0100 628 1 57 full false The Commission Conversations - Commissioners' Reflections (Justine Andrew, Jeffrey Boakye and Christine Counsell) The Commission Conversations - Commissioners' Reflections (Justine Andrew, Jeffrey Boakye and Christine Counsell) In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Justine Andrew, Jeffrey Boakye and Christine Counsell about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Justine Andrew, Jeffrey Boakye and Christine Counsell about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15841850 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0100 475 1 55 full false The Commission Conversations - Commisioners' Reflections (Sonia Thompson, Stephen Coleman and Sarah Houghton) The Commission Conversations - Commisioners' Reflections (Sonia Thompson, Stephen Coleman and Sarah Houghton) In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Sonia Thompson, Stephen Coleman and Sarah Houghton about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Sonia Thompson, Stephen Coleman and Sarah Houghton about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15820162 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0100 414 1 57 full false The Commission Conversations - Commissioners' Reflections (Rob Drummond, Sally Apps and Rufus Norris) The Commission Conversations - Commissioners' Reflections (Rob Drummond, Sally Apps and Rufus Norris) In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Rob Drummond, Sally Apps and Rufus Norris about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Independent Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to commissioners Rob Drummond, Sally Apps and Rufus Norris about their reflections on the Commission's deliberations. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15802819 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 21:00:00 +0100 564 1 56 full false The Commission Conversations - Rebecca Montacute The Commission Conversations - Rebecca Montacute In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Rebecca Montacute about the Sutton Trust's new report 'Life Lessons' which explores the development of oracy and other life skills in school.

Rebecca Montacute is Head of Research and Policy at The Sutton Trust. Since joining the Trust in 2017, she has authored reports on a variety of topics including internships, university access, highly-able students from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to the professions and how parents use financial and cultural resources to boost their children’s educations. Rebecca previously completed a PhD at the University of Manchester, and was a Fellow at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Rebecca Montacute about the Sutton Trust's new report 'Life Lessons' which explores the development of oracy and other life skills in school.

Rebecca Montacute is Head of Research and Policy at The Sutton Trust. Since joining the Trust in 2017, she has authored reports on a variety of topics including internships, university access, highly-able students from disadvantaged backgrounds, access to the professions and how parents use financial and cultural resources to boost their children’s educations. Rebecca previously completed a PhD at the University of Manchester, and was a Fellow at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15782860 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +0100 1355 1 55 full false The Commission Conversations - Jacqui O'Hanlon The Commission Conversations - Jacqui O'Hanlon In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jacqui O'Hanlon about realising the potential of Shakespeare's work in the curriculum and young people's lives, how theatre-based pedagogy can impact students' speaking, listening and writing and how, more widely, the arts in schools contribute to the social, emotional and academic development of young people.

Jacqui O'Hanlon is Director of Creative Learning and Engagement at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The RSC is a theatre company that produces and shares plays in Stratford-upon-Avon and around the world. As a teaching theatre, the RSC is a national centre for performance, teaching, training, learning and research about Shakespeare and theatre arts. Their research projects include 'Time to Act' which explored the difference that Shakespeare’s work and RSC teaching approaches make to the language development and social and emotional development of children and young people. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jacqui O'Hanlon about realising the potential of Shakespeare's work in the curriculum and young people's lives, how theatre-based pedagogy can impact students' speaking, listening and writing and how, more widely, the arts in schools contribute to the social, emotional and academic development of young people.

Jacqui O'Hanlon is Director of Creative Learning and Engagement at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The RSC is a theatre company that produces and shares plays in Stratford-upon-Avon and around the world. As a teaching theatre, the RSC is a national centre for performance, teaching, training, learning and research about Shakespeare and theatre arts. Their research projects include 'Time to Act' which explored the difference that Shakespeare’s work and RSC teaching approaches make to the language development and social and emotional development of children and young people. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15769302 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0100 1064 1 55 full false The Commission Conversations - Rachel Higgingson The Commission Conversations - Rachel Higgingson In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Rachel Higgingson about developing a whole-school approach to oracy education, oracy in the curriculum   and the value of active listening. 

Rachel Higgingson has been in education for 25 years. Her aim is to support young people to develop the knowledge, skills and character to make a difference in the modern world.  She is a keynote speaker, school improvement facilitator, curriculum designer, primary adviser and has curated the Finding my Voice project.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Rachel Higgingson about developing a whole-school approach to oracy education, oracy in the curriculum   and the value of active listening. 

Rachel Higgingson has been in education for 25 years. Her aim is to support young people to develop the knowledge, skills and character to make a difference in the modern world.  She is a keynote speaker, school improvement facilitator, curriculum designer, primary adviser and has curated the Finding my Voice project.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15718983 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0100 1145 1 50 full false The Commission Conversations - John Claughton The Commission Conversations - John Claughton In this ‘Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to John Claughton about the importance of teaching young people about language, how to encourage curiosity about language and why this is powerful in the classroom. 

John Claughton is the co-founder of WoLLoW (The World of Languages and Languages of the World). He has taught Greek and Latin, written on Herodotus and Aristophanes for Cambridge University Press and is the former head teacher of King Edward's School, Birmingham.



]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to John Claughton about the importance of teaching young people about language, how to encourage curiosity about language and why this is powerful in the classroom. 

John Claughton is the co-founder of WoLLoW (The World of Languages and Languages of the World). He has taught Greek and Latin, written on Herodotus and Aristophanes for Cambridge University Press and is the former head teacher of King Edward's School, Birmingham.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15702597 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:00:00 +0100 1046 full false The Commission Conversations - Clare Sealy The Commission Conversations - Clare Sealy In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Clare Sealy about why it's oracies, not oracy, which aspects of oracy students might need to be taught explicitly and why we should think carefully about assessing oracy.

Clare Sealy is Head of Education Improvement, States of Guernsey. Previously, she was a headteacher of over 20 years in Tower Hamlets with a particular interest in curriculum. She is the editor of 'The Curriculum: An Evidence-Informed Guide for Teachers'

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Clare Sealy about why it's oracies, not oracy, which aspects of oracy students might need to be taught explicitly and why we should think carefully about assessing oracy.

Clare Sealy is Head of Education Improvement, States of Guernsey. Previously, she was a headteacher of over 20 years in Tower Hamlets with a particular interest in curriculum. She is the editor of 'The Curriculum: An Evidence-Informed Guide for Teachers'

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15681961 Mon, 02 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0100 1506 1 50 full false The Commission Conversations - Lewis Iwu The Commission Conversations - Lewis Iwu In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Lewis Iwu about the importance of teaching young people debating skills, the importance of retaining your 'authentic voice' as a speaker and why oracy education matters now. 

Lewis Iwu is the former Executive Director of the Fair Education Alliance, current Founding Partner of Purpose Union and a former World University Debating Champion. He is the author of “Words that Win” which offers insights into constructing persuasive arguments on social and environmental subjects. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Lewis Iwu about the importance of teaching young people debating skills, the importance of retaining your 'authentic voice' as a speaker and why oracy education matters now. 

Lewis Iwu is the former Executive Director of the Fair Education Alliance, current Founding Partner of Purpose Union and a former World University Debating Champion. He is the author of “Words that Win” which offers insights into constructing persuasive arguments on social and environmental subjects. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15661630 Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0100 882 full false The Commission Conversations - Sammy Wright The Commission Conversations - Sammy Wright In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Sammy Wright about his new book 'Exam Nation',  including the challenges of assessing oracy and why, despite these challenges, it might still be worth doing.

Sammy Wright is Head of School at a large secondary in Sunderland. He is the author of 'Exam Nation: Why Our Obsession with Grades Fails Everyone and a Better Way to Think about School'. Sammy sat on the government's Social Mobility Commission from 2018 to 2021, becoming a key voice in the debates over exam grades during the pandemic. He has taught for twenty years at schools in Oxfordshire, London and the North East.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Sammy Wright about his new book 'Exam Nation',  including the challenges of assessing oracy and why, despite these challenges, it might still be worth doing.

Sammy Wright is Head of School at a large secondary in Sunderland. He is the author of 'Exam Nation: Why Our Obsession with Grades Fails Everyone and a Better Way to Think about School'. Sammy sat on the government's Social Mobility Commission from 2018 to 2021, becoming a key voice in the debates over exam grades during the pandemic. He has taught for twenty years at schools in Oxfordshire, London and the North East.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15649607 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0100 1517 full false The Commission Conversations - Brian Jenner The Commission Conversations - Brian Jenner In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Brian Jenner about the importance of process to oratory.

Brian Jenner is a speech writer and the founder of the European Speechwriter Network. He has worked with high profile individuals including a Dragons’ Den panellist, a Duke and a Premiership footballer. 



]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Brian Jenner about the importance of process to oratory.

Brian Jenner is a speech writer and the founder of the European Speechwriter Network. He has worked with high profile individuals including a Dragons’ Den panellist, a Duke and a Premiership footballer. 



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15587168 Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0100 1307 1 41 full false The Commission Conversations - Wendy Lee The Commission Conversations - Wendy Lee In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Wendy Lee about the challenges of identifying children and young people with Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and how schools can support students with SLCN to thrive at school.

Wendy has worked as a speech and language therapist for over 30 years, in clinical practice, as a senior lecturer in higher education and in the third sector. She was Professional Director at The Communication Trust until 2015 where she led on a number of projects, as well as inputting on national policy and research.
Wendy is currently the Director of LINGO, which provides consultancy, professional development, resources and speech and language therapy. She is also an associate of Oracy Cambridge.

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Wendy Lee about the challenges of identifying children and young people with Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and how schools can support students with SLCN to thrive at school.

Wendy has worked as a speech and language therapist for over 30 years, in clinical practice, as a senior lecturer in higher education and in the third sector. She was Professional Director at The Communication Trust until 2015 where she led on a number of projects, as well as inputting on national policy and research.
Wendy is currently the Director of LINGO, which provides consultancy, professional development, resources and speech and language therapy. She is also an associate of Oracy Cambridge.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15568607 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0100 1390 1 40 full false The Commission Conversations - Adam Power-Annand The Commission Conversations - Adam Power-Annand In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Adam Power-Annand about using drama to support speaking and listening in Key Stage 1.

Adam Power-Annand is the National Lead and CEO of Speech Bubbles, a charitable project which supports children struggling in the classroom and in social situations because of communication challenges.



]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Adam Power-Annand about using drama to support speaking and listening in Key Stage 1.

Adam Power-Annand is the National Lead and CEO of Speech Bubbles, a charitable project which supports children struggling in the classroom and in social situations because of communication challenges.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15555905 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0100 1174 1 40 full false The Commission Conversations - Topsy Page The Commission Conversations - Topsy Page In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Topsy Page about oracy in a primary setting and practical ideas for embedding speaking and listening in schools.

Topsy Page is a teacher, trainer and Oracy Cambridge Associate. She is the author of 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Oracy.



]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Topsy Page about oracy in a primary setting and practical ideas for embedding speaking and listening in schools.

Topsy Page is a teacher, trainer and Oracy Cambridge Associate. She is the author of 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Oracy.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15532591 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0100 1359 1 39 full false The Commission Conversations - Daisy Christodoulou The Commission Conversations - Daisy Christodoulou In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Daisy Christodoulou about the challenges with traditional assessment and how comparative judgement can be used to assess children’s oracy skills. 

Daisy Christodoulou is Director of Education at ‘No More Marking’, an organisation which uses Comparative Judgement to provide detailed understanding of students’ writing. She runs all their professional development and works closely with their subscriber schools on improving ways of assessing and teaching writing. Previously, she was Head of Assessment at Ark Schools, a network of academy schools. She is the author of three books: Seven Myths about Education, Making Good Progress? The future of Assessment for Learning and Teachers vs Tech? (Oxford University Press, 2020)

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Daisy Christodoulou about the challenges with traditional assessment and how comparative judgement can be used to assess children’s oracy skills. 

Daisy Christodoulou is Director of Education at ‘No More Marking’, an organisation which uses Comparative Judgement to provide detailed understanding of students’ writing. She runs all their professional development and works closely with their subscriber schools on improving ways of assessing and teaching writing. Previously, she was Head of Assessment at Ark Schools, a network of academy schools. She is the author of three books: Seven Myths about Education, Making Good Progress? The future of Assessment for Learning and Teachers vs Tech? (Oxford University Press, 2020)

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15513476 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0100 2074 1 38 full false The Commission Conversations - Grace Lockrobin The Commission Conversations - Grace Lockrobin In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn about Philosophy for Children and how this approach can support learners to think with others and to think for themselves in subjects across the curriculum. 

Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn are co-leaders of SAPERE (the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education) which is the UK's national charity for Philosophy for Children (P4C). SAPERE exists to help people improve their learning and their lives through philosophical enquiry, their aim is to give people the skills to thrive in school and society.

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn about Philosophy for Children and how this approach can support learners to think with others and to think for themselves in subjects across the curriculum. 

Grace Lockrobin and Emma Swinn are co-leaders of SAPERE (the Society for the Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education) which is the UK's national charity for Philosophy for Children (P4C). SAPERE exists to help people improve their learning and their lives through philosophical enquiry, their aim is to give people the skills to thrive in school and society.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15495542 Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:00:00 +0100 1102 1 37 full false The Commission Conversations - Andrew O'Neill The Commission Conversations - Andrew O'Neill In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Andrew O'Neill about why he chose to prioritise oracy at All Saints Catholic College, including incorporating a discrete oracy lesson in Year 7.

Andrew O'Neill is the headteacher of All Saints Catholic College. In 2022, he was awarded Pearson's Headteacher of the Year award. More recently, All Saints Catholic College has been in the news because of the 12-hour school day they are piloting. 


]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Andrew O'Neill about why he chose to prioritise oracy at All Saints Catholic College, including incorporating a discrete oracy lesson in Year 7.

Andrew O'Neill is the headteacher of All Saints Catholic College. In 2022, he was awarded Pearson's Headteacher of the Year award. More recently, All Saints Catholic College has been in the news because of the 12-hour school day they are piloting. 


]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15479452 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100 1566 1 33 full false The Commission Conversation - Elaine Allen The Commission Conversation - Elaine Allen In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to  Elaine Allen about the links between oracy and early reading, how oracy relates to other aspects of literacy and why oracy education isn’t something ‘new’.

Elaine Allen is Blackpool Literacy Lead and Director of the St John Vianney English Hub. She also serves on the Liverpool Education Board as a reading expert, as well as the Blackpool Education Improvement Board. Elaine Allen also trains on the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) for the National Institute of Teaching (NiOT) and also coaches on the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). 

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to  Elaine Allen about the links between oracy and early reading, how oracy relates to other aspects of literacy and why oracy education isn’t something ‘new’.

Elaine Allen is Blackpool Literacy Lead and Director of the St John Vianney English Hub. She also serves on the Liverpool Education Board as a reading expert, as well as the Blackpool Education Improvement Board. Elaine Allen also trains on the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy (NPQLL) for the National Institute of Teaching (NiOT) and also coaches on the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15467363 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1497 1 32 full false The Commission Conversations - Lisa Stephenson The Commission Conversations - Lisa Stephenson In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Lisa Stephenson about story as a way into the curriculum, storytelling as a means to draw on children's linguistic strengths and cultural heritage and how drama pedagogy can support the development of children's social-emotional competencies.

Lisa Stephenson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education. Her teaching and research specialism is creative (drama) learning. She is founder and director of Story Makers Company, a practice-based research centre which champions creative pedagogies and relational learning.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Lisa Stephenson about story as a way into the curriculum, storytelling as a means to draw on children's linguistic strengths and cultural heritage and how drama pedagogy can support the development of children's social-emotional competencies.

Lisa Stephenson is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education. Her teaching and research specialism is creative (drama) learning. She is founder and director of Story Makers Company, a practice-based research centre which champions creative pedagogies and relational learning.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15453449 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0100 1615 1 30 full false The Commission Conversations - James Mannion The Commission Conversations - James Mannion In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to James Mannion about oracy as a curricular object, building students’ linguistic repertoires and making change stick

James Mannion is the  Director of Rethinking Education and the host of the Rethinking Education podcast.An experienced former teacher and school leader, James has a PhD in Learning to Learn from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Person-Centred Education from the University of Sussex. He is also the co-author of Fear is the Mind Killer: Why Learning to Learn deserves lesson time – and how to make it work for your pupils.



]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to James Mannion about oracy as a curricular object, building students’ linguistic repertoires and making change stick

James Mannion is the  Director of Rethinking Education and the host of the Rethinking Education podcast.An experienced former teacher and school leader, James has a PhD in Learning to Learn from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Person-Centred Education from the University of Sussex. He is also the co-author of Fear is the Mind Killer: Why Learning to Learn deserves lesson time – and how to make it work for your pupils.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15439478 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0100 1511 1 39 full false The Commission Conversations - Ros Wilson The Commission Conversations - Ros Wilson In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Ros Wilson about the link between speaking skills and writing skills.

Ros is an education consultant, former teacher, former Ofsted inspector and the creator of Talk:Write.

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Ros Wilson about the link between speaking skills and writing skills.

Ros is an education consultant, former teacher, former Ofsted inspector and the creator of Talk:Write.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15428916 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1053 1 38 full false The Commission Conversations - Melanie Cross The Commission Conversations - Melanie Cross In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Melanie Cross about the intersection of oracy and social, emotional and mental health needs. 

Melanie is a speech and language therapist and author with decades of experience. She developed the Mind Your Words course for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and wrote the book Language for Behaviour and Emotions. She is an expert in undetected communications needs. 




]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Melanie Cross about the intersection of oracy and social, emotional and mental health needs. 

Melanie is a speech and language therapist and author with decades of experience. She developed the Mind Your Words course for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and wrote the book Language for Behaviour and Emotions. She is an expert in undetected communications needs. 




]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15416669 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0100 1260 1 37 full true The Commission Conversations - Darren Chetty The Commission Conversations - Darren Chetty In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Darren Chetty about cultivating dialogic and knowledge-rich classrooms, conceptualising teaching as an intellectual pursuit and the impact of Prevent on classroom dialogue.

Darren Chetty is a writer, teacher and researcher. He has published academic work on philosophy, education, racism, children’s literature and hip-hop culture. He taught in primary schools for twenty years before becoming a lecturer at UCL at the Institute of Education and the Arts & Sciences Department.


]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Darren Chetty about cultivating dialogic and knowledge-rich classrooms, conceptualising teaching as an intellectual pursuit and the impact of Prevent on classroom dialogue.

Darren Chetty is a writer, teacher and researcher. He has published academic work on philosophy, education, racism, children’s literature and hip-hop culture. He taught in primary schools for twenty years before becoming a lecturer at UCL at the Institute of Education and the Arts & Sciences Department.


]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15403618 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100 1023 1 36 full false The Commission Conversations - Oli de Botton The Commission Conversations - Oli de Botton In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Oli de Botton about why oracy matters, the craft of teaching and the dialogic classroom and the importance of talk at the transition from school to college. 

Oli de Botton is the CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company – the national body for careers education. Before that Oli was Head Teacher and co-founder of School 21. He also co-founded Voice 21, the national oracy education charity.  He has also worked in education policy and strategy as a government education advisor.

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Oli de Botton about why oracy matters, the craft of teaching and the dialogic classroom and the importance of talk at the transition from school to college. 

Oli de Botton is the CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company – the national body for careers education. Before that Oli was Head Teacher and co-founder of School 21. He also co-founded Voice 21, the national oracy education charity.  He has also worked in education policy and strategy as a government education advisor.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15392113 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100 726 1 35 full false The Commission Conversations - Leigh Wolmarans The Commission Conversations - Leigh Wolmarans In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Leigh Wolmarans about oracy and the arts, the classroom as a ‘studio’ and bringing language to life through expressive arts.

Leigh is CEO and joint Artistic Director of performing arts charity, Silhouette Youth. Before that, he was a teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and Head Teacher in schools across London and Northampton. 

]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Leigh Wolmarans about oracy and the arts, the classroom as a ‘studio’ and bringing language to life through expressive arts.

Leigh is CEO and joint Artistic Director of performing arts charity, Silhouette Youth. Before that, he was a teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and Head Teacher in schools across London and Northampton. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15377712 Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0100 881 1 34 full false The Commission Conversations - Hywel Roberts The Commission Conversations - Hywel Roberts In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Hywel Roberts about ‘botheredness’, building a ‘community’ in the classroom and the power of drama and storytelling.

Hywel Roberts has taught in secondary, primary and special settings for almost 30 years. He contributes to university education programmes and contributes regularly to a variety of publications.





]]> In this ‘Commission Conversation’ Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Hywel Roberts about ‘botheredness’, building a ‘community’ in the classroom and the power of drama and storytelling.

Hywel Roberts has taught in secondary, primary and special settings for almost 30 years. He contributes to university education programmes and contributes regularly to a variety of publications.





]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15361910 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0100 1116 1 33 full false The Commission Conversations - Jean Gross The Commission Conversations - Jean Gross In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jean Gross about the importance of developing early language, the impact of Sure Start and how we can ensure teachers have the time, oppportunity and knowledge to develop their students' spoken language skills. 

Jean Gross is an education expert who has led many national initiatives aimed at improving the learning, attainment  and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs. Until 2011 she was the government’s Communication Champion for children and young people, responsible for promoting the importance of good language skills. Before this she led work on overcoming barriers to achievement as a Director of the government’s National Strategies, inclusing developing the influential Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jean Gross about the importance of developing early language, the impact of Sure Start and how we can ensure teachers have the time, oppportunity and knowledge to develop their students' spoken language skills. 

Jean Gross is an education expert who has led many national initiatives aimed at improving the learning, attainment  and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs. Until 2011 she was the government’s Communication Champion for children and young people, responsible for promoting the importance of good language skills. Before this she led work on overcoming barriers to achievement as a Director of the government’s National Strategies, inclusing developing the influential Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15341962 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0100 1281 full false The Commission Conversations - Carol Atherton The Commission Conversations - Carol Atherton In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Carol Atherton about how books can spark conversations with students about pertinent issues and why teaching students to challenge accepted ideas, put forward alternative viewpoints and sustain a line of argument confidently is important in the English classroom.

Carol Atherton is the author of Reading Lessons: the Books we Read at School, the Conversations They Spark and Why They Matter. She is currently Head of English at a secondary school in Lincolnshire. She is a Fellow of the English Association and a member of the National Association for the Teaching of English. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Carol Atherton about how books can spark conversations with students about pertinent issues and why teaching students to challenge accepted ideas, put forward alternative viewpoints and sustain a line of argument confidently is important in the English classroom.

Carol Atherton is the author of Reading Lessons: the Books we Read at School, the Conversations They Spark and Why They Matter. She is currently Head of English at a secondary school in Lincolnshire. She is a Fellow of the English Association and a member of the National Association for the Teaching of English. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15310008 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0100 1111 1 30 full false The Commission Conversations - Rupert Knight The Commission Conversations - Rupert Knight In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education talks to Rupert Knight about the initial teacher education landscape, teacher agency and what it takes to embed oracy education across a school. 

Rupert Knight is currently associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham, teaching on a primary initial teacher education programme and a variety of postgraduate education courses. Rupert’s research interests include classroom talk; the role of theory and practice in learning to teach; teachers as professionals; and primary classroom pedagogies. He has authored two books on classroom talk: 'Classroom Talk: Evidence-based Teaching for Enquiring Teachers' and 'Classroom Talk in Practice: Teachers' Experiences of Oracy in Action'. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education talks to Rupert Knight about the initial teacher education landscape, teacher agency and what it takes to embed oracy education across a school. 

Rupert Knight is currently associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham, teaching on a primary initial teacher education programme and a variety of postgraduate education courses. Rupert’s research interests include classroom talk; the role of theory and practice in learning to teach; teachers as professionals; and primary classroom pedagogies. He has authored two books on classroom talk: 'Classroom Talk: Evidence-based Teaching for Enquiring Teachers' and 'Classroom Talk in Practice: Teachers' Experiences of Oracy in Action'. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15301933 Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100 1139 1 30 full false The Commission Conversations - Esther O'Connor The Commission Conversations - Esther O'Connor In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, speaks to Esther O'Connor about oracy in the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) including the role of the adult and the importance of high-quality interactions and serve-and-return conversations,  sustained shared thinking (SST) and modelling language. 

Esther O'Connor is an Early Years Practitioner and leader at The British School of Brussels, where she teaches and leads a large Early Years Sector for children aged 1-5. She has taught in the UK for 13 years where she was a Specialist Leader in Education,  facilitating sustainable improvements in a range of schools alongside coaching NQTs in partnership with local universities.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, speaks to Esther O'Connor about oracy in the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) including the role of the adult and the importance of high-quality interactions and serve-and-return conversations,  sustained shared thinking (SST) and modelling language. 

Esther O'Connor is an Early Years Practitioner and leader at The British School of Brussels, where she teaches and leads a large Early Years Sector for children aged 1-5. She has taught in the UK for 13 years where she was a Specialist Leader in Education,  facilitating sustainable improvements in a range of schools alongside coaching NQTs in partnership with local universities.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15282638 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0100 994 1 29 full false The Commission Conversations - Robin Alexander The Commission Conversations - Robin Alexander In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Robin Alexander about dialogic teaching and how classroom talk can enhance learning, including the importance of 'elaboration', the 'third turn' and how dialogic pedagogy can enhance teacher agency.

Robin Alexander is Fellow of Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge and Professor of Education Emeritus at the University of Warwick. He is a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA) and the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS), past President of the British Association for International and Comparative Education (BAICE), and former Director of the Cambridge Primary Review and Chair of the Cambridge Primary Review Trust.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Robin Alexander about dialogic teaching and how classroom talk can enhance learning, including the importance of 'elaboration', the 'third turn' and how dialogic pedagogy can enhance teacher agency.

Robin Alexander is Fellow of Wolfson College at the University of Cambridge and Professor of Education Emeritus at the University of Warwick. He is a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA) and the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS), past President of the British Association for International and Comparative Education (BAICE), and former Director of the Cambridge Primary Review and Chair of the Cambridge Primary Review Trust.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15262608 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100 1645 1 28 full false The Commission Conversations - Bill Lucas The Commission Conversations - Bill Lucas In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Bill Lucas about multi-modal assessment, the learner profile and the potential of assessment through talk.   

Bill Lucas is Professor of Learning at the University of Winchester and Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning (CRL). Bill is co-founder of Rethinking Assessment, a movement arguing for a major overhaul of the assessment system in England.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Bill Lucas about multi-modal assessment, the learner profile and the potential of assessment through talk.   

Bill Lucas is Professor of Learning at the University of Winchester and Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning (CRL). Bill is co-founder of Rethinking Assessment, a movement arguing for a major overhaul of the assessment system in England.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15244016 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0100 1447 1 28 full false The Commission Conversations - Jessie Ricketts The Commission Conversations - Jessie Ricketts In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jessie Ricketts about the link between oracy and reading, the importance of vocabulary knowledge and why approaches to developing oracy and reading skills should be tailored to different Key Stages.

Professor Jessie Ricketts is based in the Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London and directs the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) research group. Jessie researches language and literacy in children, young people and adults. She is particularly interested in how reading benefits children’s learning and language.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jessie Ricketts about the link between oracy and reading, the importance of vocabulary knowledge and why approaches to developing oracy and reading skills should be tailored to different Key Stages.

Professor Jessie Ricketts is based in the Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London and directs the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) research group. Jessie researches language and literacy in children, young people and adults. She is particularly interested in how reading benefits children’s learning and language.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15224432 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0100 1117 1 27 full false The Commission Conversations - Ian Cushing The Commission Conversations - Ian Cushing In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Ian Cushing about the defecit foundations of oracy education, including why a focus on improving children's 'oracy skills' draws attention away from wider structural inequalities, locating the problem in the child rather than the system, as well as research he has conducted on the listening practices of Ofsted. 

Ian Cushing is a Senior Lecturer in Critical Applied Linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University. Following a career as a school teacher in inner London,  he completed a PhD in Educational Linguistics in 2019 and has since worked in Higher Education across linguistics, education studies, and teacher education. He maintains close links with schools, where the majority of his current research is focused.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England talks to Ian Cushing about the defecit foundations of oracy education, including why a focus on improving children's 'oracy skills' draws attention away from wider structural inequalities, locating the problem in the child rather than the system, as well as research he has conducted on the listening practices of Ofsted. 

Ian Cushing is a Senior Lecturer in Critical Applied Linguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University. Following a career as a school teacher in inner London,  he completed a PhD in Educational Linguistics in 2019 and has since worked in Higher Education across linguistics, education studies, and teacher education. He maintains close links with schools, where the majority of his current research is focused.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15204384 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0100 1802 1 26 full false The Commission Conversations - Deborah Cameron The Commission Conversations - Deborah Cameron In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Deborah Cameron about why there is a recurring, problematic narrative about oracy in education, the trouble with articulating standards for spoken language and why 'accountability culture' creates problems for implementing oracy education. 

Deborah Cameron is a sociolinguist who, until recently, was Professor of Language and Communication at Oxford University. She has a particular interest in the relationship between language and gender, and has published several academic books on that topic.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Deborah Cameron about why there is a recurring, problematic narrative about oracy in education, the trouble with articulating standards for spoken language and why 'accountability culture' creates problems for implementing oracy education. 

Deborah Cameron is a sociolinguist who, until recently, was Professor of Language and Communication at Oxford University. She has a particular interest in the relationship between language and gender, and has published several academic books on that topic.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15186218 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:00:00 +0100 1279 1 25 full false The Commission Conversations - Pie Corbett The Commission Conversations - Pie Corbett In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Pie Corbett about  why talk underpins children's ability to read and write, the importance of storytelling at every phase and how creative subjects can help you understand yourself and the world around you better.

Pie Corbett is a former teacher, head teacher, lecturer and OFSTED inspector who has published and edited over 250 books. He developed ‘Talk for Writing’,  a teaching framework which supports children to imitate the language they need for a particular topic orally, before reading and analysing it, and then writing their own version.  He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters for services to poetry, storytelling and creative teaching by the University of Winchester.



]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Pie Corbett about  why talk underpins children's ability to read and write, the importance of storytelling at every phase and how creative subjects can help you understand yourself and the world around you better.

Pie Corbett is a former teacher, head teacher, lecturer and OFSTED inspector who has published and edited over 250 books. He developed ‘Talk for Writing’,  a teaching framework which supports children to imitate the language they need for a particular topic orally, before reading and analysing it, and then writing their own version.  He was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters for services to poetry, storytelling and creative teaching by the University of Winchester.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15163014 Thu, 30 May 2024 14:00:00 +0100 1454 1 25 full false The Commission Conversations - Warda Farah The Commission Conversations - Warda Farah In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Warda Farah about racial and cultural bias in speech and language therapy,  her own experiences of linguicism at school and why it is powerful to teach children and young people about standard language ideologies. 

Warda Farah is a speech and language therapist and community activist, as well as a lecturer at Greenwich University. She previously founded a specialised speech and language practice that trained clinicians and served schools in the UK in evidence-based, culturally/linguistically diverse therapy. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Warda Farah about racial and cultural bias in speech and language therapy,  her own experiences of linguicism at school and why it is powerful to teach children and young people about standard language ideologies. 

Warda Farah is a speech and language therapist and community activist, as well as a lecturer at Greenwich University. She previously founded a specialised speech and language practice that trained clinicians and served schools in the UK in evidence-based, culturally/linguistically diverse therapy. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15148755 Tue, 28 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1016 1 24 full false The Commission Conversations - 10 Things We've Learnt in 10 Weeks The Commission Conversations - 10 Things We've Learnt in 10 Weeks It's been 10 weeks since we launched the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England. So, this week, Geoff Barton, Independent Chair of the Commission, gives us an overview of 10 themes the Commission has been exploring in these past weeks.

]]> It's been 10 weeks since we launched the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England. So, this week, Geoff Barton, Independent Chair of the Commission, gives us an overview of 10 themes the Commission has been exploring in these past weeks.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15130849 Fri, 24 May 2024 18:00:00 +0100 563 1 22 full false The Commission Conversations - Kirsten Howells The Commission Conversations - Kirsten Howells In this 'Commission Conversation', Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Kirsten Howells about why 'fluency' isn't a marker of being a good speaker and we can ensure a focus on oracy in schools is inclusive of children who stammer. You'll also hear from some children who stammer about their experiences at school.

Kirsten Howells is Director of Services and Deputy CEO at STAMMA, the largest UK charity and membership organisation representing people who stammer. Kirsten joined STAMMA in 2019, initially as a helpline volunteer, and now coordinates their helpline, advocacy and employment services. 

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation', Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Kirsten Howells about why 'fluency' isn't a marker of being a good speaker and we can ensure a focus on oracy in schools is inclusive of children who stammer. You'll also hear from some children who stammer about their experiences at school.

Kirsten Howells is Director of Services and Deputy CEO at STAMMA, the largest UK charity and membership organisation representing people who stammer. Kirsten joined STAMMA in 2019, initially as a helpline volunteer, and now coordinates their helpline, advocacy and employment services. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15115398 Wed, 22 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1215 full false The Commission Conversations - Arlene Holmes-Henderson The Commission Conversations - Arlene Holmes-Henderson In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, speaks to Arlene Holmes-Henderson about what we can learn about oracy education from the ancient world, why more young people should be studying 'rhetoric' and the myths about oracy and citizenship we should be challenging.

Arlene Holmes-Henderson is Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy at Durham University where she holds a British Academy Innovation Fellowship (2022-2024). After studying Classics at Oxford, Harvard and Cambridge, Arlene qualified as a schoolteacher and taught in high schools for more than a decade before returning to academia. In 2024, she is working with Dr Tom Wright (University of Sussex) on the AHRC-funded project Challenging Oracy and Citizenship Myths. Her work here focuses on co-designing with teachers, new resources on oracy for use in Scottish schools.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, speaks to Arlene Holmes-Henderson about what we can learn about oracy education from the ancient world, why more young people should be studying 'rhetoric' and the myths about oracy and citizenship we should be challenging.

Arlene Holmes-Henderson is Professor of Classics Education and Public Policy at Durham University where she holds a British Academy Innovation Fellowship (2022-2024). After studying Classics at Oxford, Harvard and Cambridge, Arlene qualified as a schoolteacher and taught in high schools for more than a decade before returning to academia. In 2024, she is working with Dr Tom Wright (University of Sussex) on the AHRC-funded project Challenging Oracy and Citizenship Myths. Her work here focuses on co-designing with teachers, new resources on oracy for use in Scottish schools.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15095108 Sun, 19 May 2024 15:00:00 +0100 888 1 20 full false The Commission Conversations - Julia Snell The Commission Conversations - Julia Snell In this 'Commission Conversation, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Julia Snell about expectations for classroom talk, including the problem with blanket expectations for students to speak in standardised forms of English and the importance of dialogic pedagogy, including giving teachers the time and autonomy to develop this in their classrooms.  

Julia Snell is Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Leeds. Her research on language variation has focused on the influence of social class, investigating how children from different social backgrounds use the resources of their local dialect, in addition to ‘standard’ English, to construct their identities, negotiate social hierarchies, and manage their relationships with each other and with their teachers. Julia has also done extensive work on classroom discourse and dialogic pedagogy,  seeking to promote the use of 'dialogic' teaching practices that engage active pupil participation in rich and challenging classroom discourse.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Julia Snell about expectations for classroom talk, including the problem with blanket expectations for students to speak in standardised forms of English and the importance of dialogic pedagogy, including giving teachers the time and autonomy to develop this in their classrooms.  

Julia Snell is Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Leeds. Her research on language variation has focused on the influence of social class, investigating how children from different social backgrounds use the resources of their local dialect, in addition to ‘standard’ English, to construct their identities, negotiate social hierarchies, and manage their relationships with each other and with their teachers. Julia has also done extensive work on classroom discourse and dialogic pedagogy,  seeking to promote the use of 'dialogic' teaching practices that engage active pupil participation in rich and challenging classroom discourse.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15079122 Thu, 16 May 2024 11:00:00 +0100 983 1 19 full false The Commission Conversations - Michael Rosen The Commission Conversations - Michael Rosen In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Michael Rosen about...talk, including his own family history, how children talk about books and the way teachers use talk in the classroom.

Michael Rosen is Professor of Children's Literature. Since the late 1960s, Michael Rosen has been writing books, articles, plays and various kinds of scripts; performing poetry for audiences of all ages; and broadcasting on literature related subjects on radio and TV. From 2007-2009 he was Children's Laureate.

]]> In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Michael Rosen about...talk, including his own family history, how children talk about books and the way teachers use talk in the classroom.

Michael Rosen is Professor of Children's Literature. Since the late 1960s, Michael Rosen has been writing books, articles, plays and various kinds of scripts; performing poetry for audiences of all ages; and broadcasting on literature related subjects on radio and TV. From 2007-2009 he was Children's Laureate.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15065308 Tue, 14 May 2024 11:00:00 +0100 792 1 18 full false The Commission Conversations - Tom F Wright The Commission Conversations - Tom F Wright Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Tom F. Wright about the history of grassroots oracy education which stretches right back to the Victorian era.

Tom F. Wright is Reader in Rhetoric at the University of Sussex. He is a cultural historian of nineteenth century Britain and America. His research focuses on rhetoric and spoken communication and their role in politics, education and the history of ideas. Tom is Principal Investigator on the Speaking Citizens Project and teaches English and American Studies at the University of Sussex

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Tom F. Wright about the history of grassroots oracy education which stretches right back to the Victorian era.

Tom F. Wright is Reader in Rhetoric at the University of Sussex. He is a cultural historian of nineteenth century Britain and America. His research focuses on rhetoric and spoken communication and their role in politics, education and the history of ideas. Tom is Principal Investigator on the Speaking Citizens Project and teaches English and American Studies at the University of Sussex

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15052727 Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100 1101 full false The Commission Conversations - Neil Mercer The Commission Conversations - Neil Mercer Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Neil Mercer about talk for learning, disciplinary approaches to oracy, how we can support teachers to become effective oracy practitioners and whether we assess students' oracy skills. 

Neil Mercer is Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, where he is also Director of Oracy Cambridge: the Centre for Effective Spoken Communication at Hughes Hall. Before he joined Cambridge, he was Professor of Language and Communications at the Open University. He is a  psychologist whose research has focused on the development of children’s spoken language and reasoning abilities and teachers’ role in that development, he has worked extensively and internationally with teachers, researchers and educational policy makers. Neil grew up in the Lake District and is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria. 

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, talks to Neil Mercer about talk for learning, disciplinary approaches to oracy, how we can support teachers to become effective oracy practitioners and whether we assess students' oracy skills. 

Neil Mercer is Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Cambridge, where he is also Director of Oracy Cambridge: the Centre for Effective Spoken Communication at Hughes Hall. Before he joined Cambridge, he was Professor of Language and Communications at the Open University. He is a  psychologist whose research has focused on the development of children’s spoken language and reasoning abilities and teachers’ role in that development, he has worked extensively and internationally with teachers, researchers and educational policy makers. Neil grew up in the Lake District and is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15045213 Fri, 10 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1142 1 16 full false The Commission Conversations - Louisa Reeves The Commission Conversations - Louisa Reeves Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Louisa Reeves about the importance of early language development, the role of the teacher in children's language development as they move through school and ensuring that oracy education is inclusive of all children. 

Louisa Reeves is Director of Policy and Evidence at Speech and Language UK. She leads on Speech and Language UK’s policy and public affairs strategy, working to ensure that politicians and senior decision makers know about the importance of talking and understanding words to children’s futures. She is a former speech and language therapist who also leads on ensuring Speech and Language UK is evidence-led with an embedded culture of evaluation which ensures that they achieve positive outcomes for children and young people which have measurable impact.



]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Louisa Reeves about the importance of early language development, the role of the teacher in children's language development as they move through school and ensuring that oracy education is inclusive of all children. 

Louisa Reeves is Director of Policy and Evidence at Speech and Language UK. She leads on Speech and Language UK’s policy and public affairs strategy, working to ensure that politicians and senior decision makers know about the importance of talking and understanding words to children’s futures. She is a former speech and language therapist who also leads on ensuring Speech and Language UK is evidence-led with an embedded culture of evaluation which ensures that they achieve positive outcomes for children and young people which have measurable impact.



]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-15034154 Wed, 08 May 2024 20:00:00 +0100 1246 full false The Commission Conversations - Martin Robinson The Commission Conversations - Martin Robinson Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Martin Robinson about bringing healthy and interesting debate into the curriculum and supporting students to explore different people's perspectives through talk

After 20 years working in London in state schools - as teacher, head of department, AST, senior leader and QCA associate with a focus on creativity - Martin Robinson is now a parent, writer and consultant with an interest in how the arts should influence education.

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Martin Robinson about bringing healthy and interesting debate into the curriculum and supporting students to explore different people's perspectives through talk

After 20 years working in London in state schools - as teacher, head of department, AST, senior leader and QCA associate with a focus on creativity - Martin Robinson is now a parent, writer and consultant with an interest in how the arts should influence education.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14996758 Thu, 02 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100 1215 1 14 full false The Commission Conversations - Tim Oates The Commission Conversations - Tim Oates Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Tim Oates about oracy in the National Curriculum and the gap between intent and implementation, what we can learn from other countries about implementing oracy education and why he is cautious about assessing oracy. 

Tim Oates is Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge Assessment, focussing on national and international research on assessment and measurement. From 2010-2013, he was chair of the Expert Panel for Review of the National Curriculum. He has published widely on assessment and curriculum. In 2015 he was awarded a CBE for services to education.

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Tim Oates about oracy in the National Curriculum and the gap between intent and implementation, what we can learn from other countries about implementing oracy education and why he is cautious about assessing oracy. 

Tim Oates is Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge Assessment, focussing on national and international research on assessment and measurement. From 2010-2013, he was chair of the Expert Panel for Review of the National Curriculum. He has published widely on assessment and curriculum. In 2015 he was awarded a CBE for services to education.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14982010 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100 1101 1 13 full false The Commission Conversations - Amy Gaunt The Commission Conversations - Amy Gaunt Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Amy Gaunt about the history of oracy education policy in England from the 1920s until the present day. 

Amy is Director of Learning, Impact and Influence at Voice 21. Amy joined the charity's founding leadership team in 2016, supporting the growth of the organisation from one London school to a network of over 1000 schools across the UK. She is co-author of 'Transform Teaching and Learning through Talk: the Oracy Imperative' and Voice 21's 'Oracy Benchmarks'.

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Amy Gaunt about the history of oracy education policy in England from the 1920s until the present day. 

Amy is Director of Learning, Impact and Influence at Voice 21. Amy joined the charity's founding leadership team in 2016, supporting the growth of the organisation from one London school to a network of over 1000 schools across the UK. She is co-author of 'Transform Teaching and Learning through Talk: the Oracy Imperative' and Voice 21's 'Oracy Benchmarks'.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14969024 Sun, 28 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100 891 1 12 full false The Commission Conversations - Justine Andrew The Commission Conversations - Justine Andrew Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Justine Andrew about why oracy is such a vital skill in the workplace, the impact of Covid on young people's transitions into the world of work and what she hopes the Commission will achieve. 

Based in Leeds, Justine is Head of Education and Skills at KPMG and is also Head of the University Partnership Team. She leads KPMG’s work with some of the largest Education providers nationally as well as being at the forefront of work in the skills space. In her University Partnership role she is thinking differently about how providers and employers can work together across a range of areas, including embedding skills such as oracy into the curriculum. She has a particular interest in the economic development of ‘place’ and the role of collaboration to achieve that.

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Justine Andrew about why oracy is such a vital skill in the workplace, the impact of Covid on young people's transitions into the world of work and what she hopes the Commission will achieve. 

Based in Leeds, Justine is Head of Education and Skills at KPMG and is also Head of the University Partnership Team. She leads KPMG’s work with some of the largest Education providers nationally as well as being at the forefront of work in the skills space. In her University Partnership role she is thinking differently about how providers and employers can work together across a range of areas, including embedding skills such as oracy into the curriculum. She has a particular interest in the economic development of ‘place’ and the role of collaboration to achieve that.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14960332 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0100 539 1 11 full false The Commission Conversations - Barbara Bleiman The Commission Conversations - Barbara Bleiman Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Barbara Bleiman about the importance of talk for learning, including 'teacher talk' and whole-class dialogue, the role of oracy in the subject English and why we should value children's linguistic repertoires. 

Barbara Bleiman has worked in education for over 40 years, as a teacher and expert on secondary English. As an education consultant at the English and Media Centre (EMC), she has led CPD courses, written publications for the classroom, blogged and spoken at many conferences and other events. In 2019 she received the National Association for the Teaching of English Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of English. 

]]> Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to Barbara Bleiman about the importance of talk for learning, including 'teacher talk' and whole-class dialogue, the role of oracy in the subject English and why we should value children's linguistic repertoires. 

Barbara Bleiman has worked in education for over 40 years, as a teacher and expert on secondary English. As an education consultant at the English and Media Centre (EMC), she has led CPD courses, written publications for the classroom, blogged and spoken at many conferences and other events. In 2019 she received the National Association for the Teaching of English Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of English. 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14954030 Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0100 1419 1 10 full false The Commission Conversations - David Thomas The Commission Conversations - David Thomas Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to David Thomas about why it’s important to be articulate to be good at maths, how teachers use language in the maths classroom and why this is so vital, and how creating opportunities for young people to tackle maths problems collaboratively with their peers through ‘maths circles’ can foster a love of maths. 

David Thomas is CEO of Axiom Maths, an education charity which believes in the power of maths to transform lives. He has been a maths teacher, a secondary school headteacher, and a government advisor. He co-founded Oak National Academy to support schools during the Covid-19 pandemic and received an OBE for services to education in 2020.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to David Thomas about why it’s important to be articulate to be good at maths, how teachers use language in the maths classroom and why this is so vital, and how creating opportunities for young people to tackle maths problems collaboratively with their peers through ‘maths circles’ can foster a love of maths. 

David Thomas is CEO of Axiom Maths, an education charity which believes in the power of maths to transform lives. He has been a maths teacher, a secondary school headteacher, and a government advisor. He co-founded Oak National Academy to support schools during the Covid-19 pandemic and received an OBE for services to education in 2020.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14934434 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 +0100 1159 1 9 full false The Commission Conversations - Sarah Houghton The Commission Conversations - Sarah Houghton Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sarah Houghton about the rise in mental health issues amongst children and young people, how being able to express ourselves, including our identities, is fundamental to good mental health and her hopes for the Commission.

Sarah Houghton is Director of Mental Health Workforce Development at Place2Be, a charity that provides high-quality mental health services in schools. With over a decade in programme design and delivery, Sarah joined Place2Be in 2018 as a Programme Leader. She previously led leadership development programmes in education with the Future Leaders Trust and then Ambition School Leadership. She is also a Gestalt psychotherapist.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sarah Houghton about the rise in mental health issues amongst children and young people, how being able to express ourselves, including our identities, is fundamental to good mental health and her hopes for the Commission.

Sarah Houghton is Director of Mental Health Workforce Development at Place2Be, a charity that provides high-quality mental health services in schools. With over a decade in programme design and delivery, Sarah joined Place2Be in 2018 as a Programme Leader. She previously led leadership development programmes in education with the Future Leaders Trust and then Ambition School Leadership. She is also a Gestalt psychotherapist.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14912737 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0100 289 1 8 full false The Commission Conversations - Sonia Thompson The Commission Conversations - Sonia Thompson Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sonia Thompson about developing oracy at St Matthew's C of E Primary School, inlcuding what an oracy entitlement for all children beyond the Early Years looks like, as well as what she hopes the commission will achieve.

Sonia Thompson, Headteacher of St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Birmingham, leads initiatives to enhance education, collaborating with Oracy Cambridge on a Key Stage One oracy development project. Serving as a trustee for EEF and Classics For All, she advocates for Latin education at St Matthew’s. Sonia's book, 'An Ethic of Excellence in Action,' provides practical insights into implementing Ron Berger’s educational philosophy, while her participation in 'The Uses of Oracy' conference showcases her commitment to inclusive educational practices.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.


]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sonia Thompson about developing oracy at St Matthew's C of E Primary School, inlcuding what an oracy entitlement for all children beyond the Early Years looks like, as well as what she hopes the commission will achieve.

Sonia Thompson, Headteacher of St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Birmingham, leads initiatives to enhance education, collaborating with Oracy Cambridge on a Key Stage One oracy development project. Serving as a trustee for EEF and Classics For All, she advocates for Latin education at St Matthew’s. Sonia's book, 'An Ethic of Excellence in Action,' provides practical insights into implementing Ron Berger’s educational philosophy, while her participation in 'The Uses of Oracy' conference showcases her commitment to inclusive educational practices.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.


]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14885964 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0100 429 1 7 full false The Commission Conversations - Jeffrey Boakye The Commission Conversations - Jeffrey Boakye Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Jeffrey Boakye about the driving force behind his book ‘I Heard What You Said, the insights that 15-year experience of teaching in secondary schools across the UK has offered and why oracy is so essential for young people making their way in the world.

Jeffrey Boakye is an educator, author and broadcaster. He is a Senior Teaching Fellow at Manchester Institute of Education and has authored seven books including I Heard What You Said, which explores how we can dismantle racism in the classroom. Jeffrey was an English teacher for 15 years, first in London and then East Yorkshire. and was part of the team that, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, developed the Oracy Framework.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Jeffrey Boakye about the driving force behind his book ‘I Heard What You Said, the insights that 15-year experience of teaching in secondary schools across the UK has offered and why oracy is so essential for young people making their way in the world.

Jeffrey Boakye is an educator, author and broadcaster. He is a Senior Teaching Fellow at Manchester Institute of Education and has authored seven books including I Heard What You Said, which explores how we can dismantle racism in the classroom. Jeffrey was an English teacher for 15 years, first in London and then East Yorkshire. and was part of the team that, in partnership with the University of Cambridge, developed the Oracy Framework.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14880938 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 08:00:00 +0100 695 1 6 full false The Commission Conversations - Rufus Norris The Commission Conversations - Rufus Norris Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Rufus Norris about oracy’s role in the arts, how the understanding of oracy as a skill can be taken for granted, and how young people can benefit from learning to express themselves.

Rufus Norris, a multi-award winning theatre and film director, achieved critical acclaim with his West End revival of Cabaret, winning two Olivier Awards, and his debut feature film Broken, premiered at Cannes Film Festival, earning the Golden Eye Award at Zurich Film Festival. As the artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre since 2015, he advocates for creative education, emphasizing the importance of oracy alongside factual learning.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Rufus Norris about oracy’s role in the arts, how the understanding of oracy as a skill can be taken for granted, and how young people can benefit from learning to express themselves.

Rufus Norris, a multi-award winning theatre and film director, achieved critical acclaim with his West End revival of Cabaret, winning two Olivier Awards, and his debut feature film Broken, premiered at Cannes Film Festival, earning the Golden Eye Award at Zurich Film Festival. As the artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre since 2015, he advocates for creative education, emphasizing the importance of oracy alongside factual learning.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14876709 Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0100 646 1 5 full false The Commission Conversations - Sally Apps The Commission Conversations - Sally Apps Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sally Apps about her work delivering Alternative and Specialised provisions across the Cabot Learning Federation and the importance of developing speech & language abilities, specifically with a focus on the Early Years. 

Having begun her career as an English teacher in Manchester in 2003, Sally Apps achieved her first headship a decade later, becoming the Principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy. Sally is currently Education Director at the Cabot Learning Federation, and works alongside the Department for Education to support schools’ trust development in the South West, with a particular focus on supporting Alternative and Specialised Provision.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Sally Apps about her work delivering Alternative and Specialised provisions across the Cabot Learning Federation and the importance of developing speech & language abilities, specifically with a focus on the Early Years. 

Having begun her career as an English teacher in Manchester in 2003, Sally Apps achieved her first headship a decade later, becoming the Principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy. Sally is currently Education Director at the Cabot Learning Federation, and works alongside the Department for Education to support schools’ trust development in the South West, with a particular focus on supporting Alternative and Specialised Provision.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14870594 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0100 509 1 4 full false The Commission Conversations - Stephen Coleman The Commission Conversations - Stephen Coleman Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member speaks to Stephen Coleman about the ways young people engage and participate in the democratic process, the role of oracy in all of this, and the potential outcomes of the Commission itself.

Stephen Coleman is Professor of Political Communication at the University of Leeds and was co-investigator on the UKRI-funded Speaking Citizens research project. He presents the ‘Sound of Politics’ podcast and is author of several books, including ‘How People Talk About Politics: Brexit and After’ (Bloomsbury, 2020). For the past fifteen years he has taught modules on confident self-expression to University undergraduates.


You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member speaks to Stephen Coleman about the ways young people engage and participate in the democratic process, the role of oracy in all of this, and the potential outcomes of the Commission itself.

Stephen Coleman is Professor of Political Communication at the University of Leeds and was co-investigator on the UKRI-funded Speaking Citizens research project. He presents the ‘Sound of Politics’ podcast and is author of several books, including ‘How People Talk About Politics: Brexit and After’ (Bloomsbury, 2020). For the past fifteen years he has taught modules on confident self-expression to University undergraduates.


You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here.

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14855472 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0100 512 full false The Commission Conversations - Rob Drummond The Commission Conversations - Rob Drummond Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Professor Rob Drummond about challenging accentism and the deficit model of language, his work in The Manchester Voices Project and how the field of sociolinguistics is so closely tied to the work of the commission.

Rob Drummond is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he researches, teaches and writes about the relationship between spoken language and identity. He recently led the community-focused Manchester Voices project, exploring the accents, dialects and identities of people in Greater Manchester, and he co-leads The Accentism Project, which strives to challenge and raise awareness of language-based prejudice. Rob does a lot of public-facing academic work, and is the author of 'You’re All Talk: Why We Are What We Speak.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Professor Rob Drummond about challenging accentism and the deficit model of language, his work in The Manchester Voices Project and how the field of sociolinguistics is so closely tied to the work of the commission.

Rob Drummond is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he researches, teaches and writes about the relationship between spoken language and identity. He recently led the community-focused Manchester Voices project, exploring the accents, dialects and identities of people in Greater Manchester, and he co-leads The Accentism Project, which strives to challenge and raise awareness of language-based prejudice. Rob does a lot of public-facing academic work, and is the author of 'You’re All Talk: Why We Are What We Speak.

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14833710 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0100 471 1 2 full false The Commission Conversations - Christine Counsell The Commission Conversations - Christine Counsell Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Christine Counsell about her interest in oracy and the importance of exploring voices and learning through narrative across the curriculum, from the sciences to the humanities.

Christine Counsell started her career as a history teacher and transitioned into leadership roles at John Cabot City Technology College, Bristol, and as local authority adviser for Gloucestershire, before leading the Secondary History PGCE at The University of Cambridge and later becoming the Director of Education at Inspiration Trust. A renowned expert in curriculum design, she now runs Opening Worlds, a knowledge-rich programme for teaching history, geography and religion in primary schools

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here
 

]]> Chair of The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, Geoff Barton, speaks to commission member Christine Counsell about her interest in oracy and the importance of exploring voices and learning through narrative across the curriculum, from the sciences to the humanities.

Christine Counsell started her career as a history teacher and transitioned into leadership roles at John Cabot City Technology College, Bristol, and as local authority adviser for Gloucestershire, before leading the Secondary History PGCE at The University of Cambridge and later becoming the Director of Education at Inspiration Trust. A renowned expert in curriculum design, she now runs Opening Worlds, a knowledge-rich programme for teaching history, geography and religion in primary schools

You can learn more about The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England and its members here
 

]]> The Oracy Education Commission Buzzsprout-14819328 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0100 567 1 1 full false