Unlocking Oracy: Enhancing Student Learning and Personal Development

by Nikki Sullivan, Kelly Heaton, Lucy Lowde

Oracy plays a pivotal role in education, both as a goal in and of itself and through the role it can play in securing learning. This exciting new book explores how Oracy can support academic success and develop confident communicators who can effectively engage with the world around them and are ready for life beyond school.

The book first draws on cognitive science to show how Oracy can be used in the classroom to secure attention and engagement, enhance meaning-making, and for effective retrieval. It then offers strategies for embedding Oracy throughout the school to support debating and communication skills, respectful conversations around emotive and challenging subjects, and students’ wellbeing and confidence. Each chapter features practical classroom examples, research evidence, pitfalls to avoid, and case studies to help teachers apply the ideas to their own context.

Part of the Teacher CPD Academy series from InnerDrive, this is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders looking to holistically develop their Oracy provision.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025