Private schools don’t leave confident communication to chance. Debating, public speaking, presentations, interview preparation. It’s all part of the deal.
And parents paying the fees would soon have something to say if it wasn’t. They know that being able to speak up, make your case and hold your own can open doors. I want that for every young person, wherever they grow up and whichever school they go to.
This matters now more than ever. Young people are more connected than they’ve ever been, yet too many feel isolated and unheard. Social media is transforming their friendships and relationships.
Artificial intelligence is changing the world they will work in. And in an age dominated by screens and algorithms, the human ability to connect, communicate and make yourself heard has never been more important. But the ability to find your voice should never depend on your parents’ income or the school you attend.
Spoken communication is not a soft skill or a bolt on. That is why we are strengthening oracy across the curriculum, from primary to post-16, in all types of lessons and subjects. Being good or not good at these skills affects whether a young person can get ahead.
Yet critics have called our proposals a sign of “dumbing down” and a departure from high standards. Support for developing these skills has stretched across political divides for years. It’s what we want, but also the wish of Conservatives, such as ex schools minister Nick Gibb and former culture minister Lucy Frazer.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
