In 2006, a coalition of educators, theatre-makers, and speech and language therapists came together to create Speak Out, a pioneering programme exploring how small-group drama could support primary school children needing help with speaking and listening skills. At the time, there was a growing recognition that more children required support in communication development, and a national review was underway to address these needs.

By 2008, this review, led by MP John Bercow—who would later gain fame as Speaker of the House of Commons—outlined crucial findings. The Bercow Review emphasised that:

Among its recommendations, the review called on the Department for Children, Schools, and Families (DCSF) to work with Sir Jim Rose to strengthen the role of speech, language, and communication within the primary curriculum. Jim Rose’s own independent review noted the transformative potential of drama, stating that:

However, the Bercow Review’s release coincided with the global financial crisis, leading to scaled-back ambitions for "Hello 2011: A Year of Communication." Despite its recommendations, the momentum was interrupted by the economic downturn and a change of government.

Fast-Forward to 2024: A Renewed Commitment to Oracy

Today, Speak Out has evolved into Speech Bubbles, a nationwide programme that uses drama to support communication in schools. And in 2024, We Need to Talk, a new report from The Oracy Education Commission, shifts the focus towards a universal approach, aiming to embed oracy (speaking and listening) skills for all students.

(Read the full report here https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/oec-report/ )

The commission’s introduction highlights the far-reaching value of oracy:

The report calls for several actions, including:

Introducing an "oracy entitlement" across the primary and secondary National Curriculum, providing all students with essential oracy skills and experiences.

Incentivising schools to offer a broad curriculum where expressive arts and citizenship create rich contexts for oracy.

Remarkably, we find ourselves, as in 2008, amidst a curriculum review—this time led by Becky Francis CBE. Yet, there are key differences today that provide hope for lasting change. Unlike the Bercow Report, which belonged to an outgoing administration, the current government, with its strong majority, is well-positioned to enact these changes over the next five years. The Oracy Education Commission report aligns with recent government statements by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Education, both advocating for stronger support for speaking, listening, and creativity in education.

A Call to Action

We Need to Talk concludes with a compelling vision:

But we never stopped—in fact, we’ve been making it happen all along! Our dedicated drama practitioners have been actively working in schools, collaborating with Teaching Assistants to build vibrant, creative spaces where children can tell their stories and bring them to life through the magic of drama. Through partnerships with outstanding theatre organisations, we’ve delivered these invaluable opportunities across London, Kent, Hertfordshire, Manchester, and, as of this year, in Bristol as well. And now, with a renewed focus and a strengthened commitment, we’re ready to do even more!

Let’s make it happen together. Let’s create an oracy movement that supports every child, unites communities, and celebrates joy, expression, and creativity at its very core.