Embedding Oracy in the Classroom: Proven Results with ESB International
For decades, ESB International has championed the value of spoken communication, offering formal recognition for spoken language when the dominant mode of assessment has focused on the written word. Today, as oracy rightly gains wider recognition, educational settings have more choice than ever. ESB International’s proven model of assessment delivery has assisted hundreds of educational establishments to make oracy a lasting part of their teaching and learning.
Why Oracy Matters across the Curriculum
Oracy is far more than speaking and listening in English or Drama. When embedded as a whole‑school approach, it elevates engagement and outcomes across every subject, from explaining reasoning in mathematics, interrogating evidence in science, giving clear instructions during team activities in physical education, justifying conclusions in history, expanding questioning and analysis in Religious Education to engaging in group projects in geography.
Strong Oracy Skills:
- Boost attainment by helping learners structure their thinking and communicate understanding.
- Support inclusivity by equipping every learner, regardless of background or ability, to participate fully.
- Build life skills such as confidence, collaboration, leadership, critical thinking and employability that carry into further study, employment and community life.
Oracy and Culture
When an organisation embraces oracy, the impact is evident across the learning environment:
- Classrooms become more collaborative spaces, with pupils learning through discussion and dialogue.
- Teachers and tutors can use oracy techniques to encourage deeper questioning, reasoning and reflection.
- Learners gain the confidence to contribute, not only in lessons but also in assemblies, performances and wider school life.
Oracy isn’t an ‘add-on’; it’s an integral part of excellent teaching and learning.
Where Oracy lives in Classrooms
Curriculum and Lessons
Citizenship
Relationships, Sex and Health Education
English and Drama
Assemblies
Student Leadership
Inclusion
Culture and Community
Careers and Employment
How ESB International Supports Teachers and Tutors
We understand that embedding oracy requires both vision and practical support. That’s why we provide comprehensive support to help teachers and tutors bring oracy to life in their classrooms:
Learner-centred
qualifications
- Interactive, collaborative assessment that gives learners authentic opportunities to speak, listen, and respond.
- Small‑group formats that build confidence, peer support, and teamwork.
- Clear progression so learners can see growth and celebrate success at every stage.
Professional Development
& Training
- Practical, hands-on sessions with an Oracy expert who will guide you through specifications for your qualifications of interest, appropriate resources and best practice for weaving an ESB International qualification into your curriculum.
- Guidance for creating strategies and materials that can be used to promote oracy across a range of different contexts and subject areas.
- Confidence‑building for staff, embedding a shared language and approach to classroom talk.
Oracy Resources &
Materials
- Accessible resources to support planning, delivery and assessment.
- Ready‑to‑use frameworks for talk routines, feedback and reflection.
- Curriculum‑aligned activities that encourage creativity and innovation.
*Workshops can run over half or full day sessions and may incur an additional cost.
What Oracy Integration looks like with ESB International
Many organisations like Voice 21 , English Speaking Union (ESU), Speakers for Schools, Speak out Challenge and many others do fantastic work developing oracy through school-wide culture and teacher training, ESB International takes the unique approach to embed oracy through formal qualifications, validating learner progression using external assessments, – just like any other subject.
Here’s what makes us unique:
- We Assess Explicit Oracy Skills: ESB International’s unique assessment approach to oracy endorses the skills acquisition undertaken by your learners with a qualification that formally recognise learners’ speaking and listening skills. Many of these qualifications are regulated by Ofqual.
- Learner-Centred Assessment: Our qualifications are interactive, collaborative
,and inclusive, giving every learner the opportunity to succeed, - Practical Support for Teachers: We combine resources, training
,and assessment frameworks to make oracy integration achievable in any education environment and subjects.
How do we differ from other Oracy Providers?
Like other dedicated external oracy programmes, ESB International is committed to improving oracy in schools and promoting inclusive communication. However, our delivery model differs significantly from other providers as we are a regulated assessment organisation:
How is ESB International’s Oracy
Offering Unique?
How can ESB International Compliment
other Oracy Approaches?
Does your School or Organisation need our help to make Oracy Flourish?
Tell us more about your educational setting or request a quote today to explore how ESB International can support your organisation to embed oracy successfully – enabling your learners to reap the benefits when they achieve their certificates.
Find out more about our unique Oracy offering:
What is Oracy?
The importance of Speaking and Listening Skills
Our unique Oracy Qualifications
developing confident communicators
Oracy Resources and Workshops
tools for teachers and learners
