Oracy in Action: Learning to Lead Through Language
Radnor House was buzzing with energy as students across the Senior School came together to celebrate Oracy Day - a dynamic, student-led event dedicated to building the vital skills of speaking, listening, and persuasive communication.
Throughout the day, students jumped into a wide range of exciting, hands-on activities that showcased the power of words across the curriculum. From fiery STEM experiments like "Chemical Changes" and "The Power of a Square" to high-energy Balloon Debates and the fast-talking challenge of the 60-Second Rant, the day was packed with opportunities for students to sharpen their voices, build confidence and step outside their comfort zones.
What made the day even more special was that it was designed and led by our own Sixth Form Oracy Team, who have been working hard all term to plan, promote, and deliver events to the wider school. Year 12 students took the lead in house assemblies, ran activities, and provided fantastic role models for the younger years, showing just how powerful student voice can be.
One highlight of the day was the hotly contested Balloon Debates, where students across all year groups stepped into the shoes of real or fictional characters to persuade their peers why they deserved to stay in the "metaphorical balloon." Each speech was a test of quick thinking, creativity, and persuasive flair, with the audience deciding who got to stay aloft and who would be "thrown out" based on the strength of their arguments. "Today, my role was overseeing the Balloon Debates - an exciting platform for students to really put their speaking skills to the test," said Alexander Wakefield, Student Oracy Lead. "It was brilliant to see the passion and creativity on display, and watching students grow in confidence throughout the competition was a real highlight."
Meanwhile, in the science labs, oracy met chemistry in a fast-paced race where teams combined clear communication with practical problem-solving. "As A Level Science students, we wanted to bring oracy into our subject by creating hands-on challenges," explained Oscar Osbaldeston, Student Oracy Lead. "Students had to describe chemical structures and guide their teammates to build them - it was a brilliant way to practise precision in language and teamwork, and the results were closer than we could have imagined!"
Oracy Day has been months in the making, with students and staff working side by side to shape an event that truly reflected the importance of communication beyond the classroom. From writing persuasive speeches in lessons to preparing science demonstrations and delivering assemblies, students have been at the heart of every part of the process.
The day proved that oracy isn’t just a skill for the stage — it’s for life. It’s about learning to express ideas, listen actively, collaborate, and speak with confidence in every setting. A huge well done to all the students and staff who took part and a special thank you to the Sixth Form Oracy Team for their leadership, enthusiasm, and creativity in making the day such a success.
