The Speak for Success programme aims to improve oracy skills among 7–11-year-olds, and has been developed through a collaboration of barristers, teachers and educational consultancy Hark. A pilot of 170 pupils produced impressive results, and it is now being rolled out across England and Wales. It can be delivered by teachers, with optional support from barrister volunteers.
The children are taught the importance of tone of voice, why questions are important, how to build on what other people say, how to respectfully disagree, summarise what others say and put their oracy skills into practice.
Bar Council chair Barbara Mills KC said: ‘Our programme will help children find their voice, express themselves clearly and build a foundation for lifelong success.’
