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Develop confident speakers, better listeners and critical thinkers

How VotesforSchools supports oracy in schools

Oracy isn’t just “speaking in class”. It’s how pupils learn to explain ideas clearly, listen actively, ask better questions, and disagree respectfully - skills that improve learning, behaviour, wellbeing and personal development.

VotesforSchools builds oracy through a simple weekly routine: pupils explore a topical question, discuss different viewpoints, and take part in a meaningful vote - helping more pupils find their voice, every week.

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The outcomes you can expect

  • More pupils participating (not just the confident few)
  • More confident speaking and increased willingness to contribute
  • Better listening and turn-taking in classroom talk
  • Stronger reasoning and vocabulary (pupils justify opinions, give explanations)
  • Improved perspective-taking (pupils engage with multiple viewpoints)
  • Higher engagement with learning and current affairs
  • Greater desire to participate in active citizenship
  • A more open classroom environment

"It has tied in nicely with a whole-school oracy focus which VotesforSchools encourages. The topical nature of the themes are engaging for the children and allow you to discuss our school values and British Values in a really purposeful manner. I also like the fact that the themes open our children (who live in a majority white seaside town) to different cultures and experiences which complement our curriculum."

Westgate Primary School

"Our students' knowledge of current affairs has developed massively, their oracy skills has increased and their confidence to talk publically has improved."

Hannah Ball Academy

Proof it works

Why VotesforSchools is so effective for oracy

step 1 of 4

It makes oracy a habit (not a one-off event)

Oracy improves with repetition. VotesforSchools provides weekly, structured opportunities for pupils to practise key skills: listening, building on ideas, asking questions and justifying opinions.

step 2 of 4

It helps every pupil contribute (not only the loudest)

Structured discussion formats support whole-class participation. As pupils get used to the routines, more of the quieter voices start to speak up.

step 3 of 4

It builds respectful disagreement and classroom culture

“Learning to disagree agreeably” helps pupils manage difference, hear opposing views, and contribute constructively - a cornerstone of personal development and community cohesion.

step 4 of 4

It makes talk meaningful (pupil voice is heard beyond the classroom)

Pupils vote and share views - and crucially, they learn that their voice matters and can have real-world impact, boosting confidence and motivation.

Developing oracy at every Key Stage

Curriculum-fit without extra workload

Oracy is embedded across key stages through expectations like listening and responding, asking questions, articulating and justifying opinions, and participating in discussions and debates. VotesforSchools supports these outcomes through a consistent weekly model - without adding heavy planning time.

What's included in your subscription?

"Lessons are up to date and content is engaging. As lessons are there to go, staff are confident that they can pick up the slides and lead a session on it."

Alderbrook School

"Students love the opportunity to gain a small amount of knowledge to tackle the "fake news" they may have got on social and then to open up the discussions."

Lincoln College

Ready to improve oracy across your school?

If you want more pupils speaking with confidence, listening with respect, and thinking with clarity - make it a weekly habit.

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