The London Borough of Bexley held its Oracy Conference at the Civic Offices today, inviting educators across every phase of education to explore the impact of high-quality oracy practice.

The event brought together educators from early years, primary, secondary and post-16 settings to explore the importance of this practice in relation to teaching and the development of children and young people.

Bexley is committed to improving outcomes for our children and young people through the promotion of speech, language and communication development. 

Oracy is a priority for our Council as a key part of the 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review and the foundation for the growing Bexley Oracy Network.

Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Caroline Newton said:

The conference was a great success and excellent opportunity for educators to learn even more about the outstanding effects oracy practice is having on our borough’s schools.

We are really excited to continue to build on this and deliver even better results for educators, children and their families.

I am delighted the Oracy Network is continuing to develop and helping to shape the future of education in Bexley.”

At the event, Topsy Page, author and associate for Oracy Cambridge, shared insights into the power oracy has and how this can be implemented to assist educators.

Additionally, Bexley schools involved in the Talk Matters project were able to share examples the positive effect oracy has had on pupil confidence, learning behaviours and academic outcomes.