Oracy. A Definition: “Oracy education develops students’ skill and confidence in communication, particularly with regards to speaking and listening. This includes debating, public speaking, and other similar activities”.

That definition is from the English-Speaking Union who have also just awarded NHEHS with a “High Commendation” for the myriad of opportunities and initiatives we provide to promote Oracy within the School and in our efforts “to cultivate a long-term oracy culture within the school community”.

This is such an exciting award as building confidence in public speaking is fundamental in everything we do.

From running House Shouts, Soap Box Speeches, Debating Clubs and Societies exploring far-reaching topics (“Pineapple on pizza should be banned!”), Pupil-Teacher debates (“This House Believes Harry Potter should be banned”) to organising day long conferences eg a UN-inspired public speaking conference involving other schools, “Present…Persuade…Power” for Year 8 and “Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument” for Year 9, the opportunities are wide and far-reaching. Teachers use debate-led discussion within the classroom and specific projects in other subjects (eg our Maths based Enigma programme, an Engineering Program run by our Physics Department, History Masterclass) all ensure our girls are always deepening their communication skills.