An oracy workshop at Berhamsted School harnessed student teachers to work with younger pupils and help them speak up with confidence
An oracy workshop at Berkhamsted School saw Year 12 students mentor Year 6 pupils about the power of their voice. First the Year 12s had a session with an external speech coach and then they put their newfound skills to the test by running the sessions.
The workshops were run entirely by students and certainly presented some challenges – engaging large groups of Year 6s for an hour is no mean feat. But the innovative and creative activities designed by Year 12s encouraged pupils to explore the range of ways their voices can empower them. From fast-paced games of ‘Just a Minute’ to sharing stories of their worst fears and how they overcame them, the workshop demonstrated the importance of communication in bringing people together.
Last autumn the Oracy Commission called for oracy to become the ‘fourth R’ of education and for Berkhamsted, a family of schools in Hertfordshire, oracy is top of the agenda for every age group.
“Sometimes the best teaching is when we’re not involved,” says Anna Chatwin, Deputy Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation at Berkhamsted School. “This is a great leadership opportunity for the Year 12s,” she adds. “The impact they will have on the Year 6s is arguably greater than that of teachers – they are influential figures in their school journey.”
Berkhamsted School berkhamsted.com
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