May 28, 2025
What Oracy Is and Why It Matters
Oracy featured in the Government's Curriculum and Assessment Review, and has been highlighted by them as something they want to make 'a priority at all stages of education - so that every young person leaves school with the confidence and skills to use their voice to overcome barriers and make the most of their lives.'
Oracy is the ability to express yourself clearly and fluently when speaking, being able to articulate ideas and opinions to other people, as well as having good listening skills. The English Speaking Union says that oracy skills boost a whole range of social, emotional and interpersonal skills, including self-confidence, self-awareness, resilience and empathy.
In 2023, The National Literacy Trust found that
almost a third (31%) of five-year-olds started primary school without the language, communication and literacy skills they need to thrive -
this statistic rises to almost half (47%) of children from disadvantaged communities
(Information from National Literacy Trust's Oracy Report: Creating Confident Communicators)
How do teachers go about developing oracy in school? 2Simple have put together a free pack to help schools get started, with lots of practical activities and ideas.
Inside the pack, there are 5 different activities to try with your class, including:
All activities come with an explanation and resources, including printable cards and worksheets.
The free pack is just a selection of the Oracy resources available inside Purple Mash. With a Purple Mash subscription, teachers will have access to:
Purple Mash subscribers can find all these resources inside the English area. Non-subscribers can get a free trial to explore all the tools and resources that Purple Mash has to offer.