We need to talk drama

Sir Keir Starmer announced in June 2023 that he would ‘commit a Labour government to make oracy a priority at all stages of education’. One of his senior advisors was Peter Hyman (co-founding headteacher of School 21, and co-founder of Voice 21). In October 2024, the report ‘We need to talk’ was published by The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England (co-hosted by Voice 21 and Impetus). The chair was Geoff Barton CBE, (former secondary headteacher and until 2024, the Association of School and College Leaders’ (ASCL) general secretary).

The report advocates for oracy to become the fourth ‘R’. Oracy is very likely to appear in the forthcoming ‘refreshed’ national curriculum for state schools in England. It is likely to become a focus across the curriculum. Independent schools have never lost their oracy focus. Eton has a new, purpose-built, 300-seat debating chamber, which could be theatrically construed as a parliamentary stage set – a rehearsal space for future leaders.