Prominent figures including children’s author Michael Rosen and former political strategist Alastair Campbell have joined forces to urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to fulfill his pre-election promise to embed speaking skills, or oracy, into the national curriculum of England’s schools. This call comes as part of a wider campaign to recognize oracy as a fundamental educational priority alongside traditional subjects.
Oracy: The Fourth ‘R’ in Education
Oracy, the ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech, is being proposed as the fourth essential skill in education, complementing the established “three Rs” of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The campaigners argue that speaking skills are crucial for students’ personal development, confidence, and future employability, yet they remain underrepresented in the current curriculum.
Michael Rosen, well-known for his contributions to children’s literature, alongside Alastair Campbell and former education secretaries Charles Clarke and Estelle Morris, have collectively signed an open letter to the prime minister. The letter demands that oracy be formally integrated into the Labour Party’s revised national curriculum, ensuring that speaking and listening are given equal weight in educational standards.
Support from Education and Political Leaders
The open letter has garnered support from a total of 60 signatories, including influential voices from education and politics. These advocates emphasize that strong communication skills are vital for young people to succeed both academically and socially. They highlight that oracy encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence, which are key competencies in the modern world.
Former education secretaries Charles Clarke and Estelle Morris have stressed the importance of fulfilling this pledge to improve educational outcomes. They argue that embedding speaking skills into the curriculum will help close attainment gaps and provide equal opportunities for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Implications for England’s Education System
Implementing oracy as a core part of the curriculum would require significant adjustments in teaching methods and assessment criteria. Schools would need to develop new resources and training programs to support teachers in delivering effective speaking and listening lessons. The campaigners believe these changes will foster a more engaging and dynamic learning environment.
Moreover, prioritizing oracy aligns with broader educational goals to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century, where communication skills are essential across all career paths. The initiative also reflects a growing recognition internationally of the role that oracy plays in cognitive development and social interaction.
Next Steps and Political Commitment
As Keir Starmer’s government reviews the national curriculum, the pressure is mounting to include oracy as a statutory part of education policy. Advocates hope that the prime minister will honour his commitment and make speaking skills a priority in the upcoming reforms.
Embedding oracy in schools not only enhances students’ academic abilities but also empowers them to participate confidently in civic life. The campaigners’ call serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to adapt education to the evolving needs of society and the workforce.
As reported by The Guardian
