We are nearing the end of the Admissions cycle, during which I have spent many happy hours interviewing Year 5 and 6 students. As part of the process, I always ask interviewees to reflect on our school values and I offer brief explanations of each. When defining our value of “being bold” I mention the importance of being prepared to stand up for what you believe in and being willing to speak up when things are not as they should be. Oracy, the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively through speech, is central to this idea. Being able to communicate with clarity and confidence gives us the power to influence, lead, and create change.
This term, I have been pleased to see an increasing number of events designed to give our students a voice, while also developing the key skills of debate and polite disagreement. We have a new Law Society in the Senior school and a new Oracy Club in the Prep, for example. These opportunities are vital to building confidence and empowering students to use their voice in a variety of contexts, whether to challenge ideas or champion causes.
Last week, we hosted the first GDST Geography Symposium, conceived and coordinated by Miss Pearson, and aptly named “GeograpHER!” Students from Brighton Girls, Davisons, and Blackheath High gathered to listen to industry leaders from the Water Association, the Knepp Estate, and fashion pioneers, Prickly Thistle. These talks highlighted the creative ways in which professionals are tackling climate change – from the Knepp Estate’s rewilding efforts to Prickly Thistle’s innovative clothing range made from climate change data. In the afternoon, Prickly Thistle invited students to create their own designs, discuss them, and pitch them to the audience. This experience required students not only to generate bold ideas but also to master the art of persuasion, something which is vital for making meaningful change in our world.
Public speaking and debate are essential components of this process. It is one thing to have innovative ideas or bold plans, but to make a difference, those ideas must be communicated effectively. We were reminded of this on Monday when Year 6 students joined our Model MUN club for a mini COP30. This event allowed students to represent different countries, come together, and debate key climate goals. In these debates, students had to use their voices to negotiate, persuade, and lead discussions on important global issues – a powerful reminder of how oracy can influence decision-making and foster collaboration. It was heartening to see Year 6 students, sporting oversized jackets and ties, throwing themselves into this task.
On Tuesday, Penelope (Year 11) represented Brighton Girls in the GDST’s Chrystall Carter Competition, an annual public speaking event. Penelope’s skillful speech earned praise from the judges. Penelope is a regular columnist for The Temple Times and earned the honour of representing the school through a brilliant performance in House Debating. Three opportunities to hone communication skills, written and verbal, all grasped. Well done, Penelope!
On Tuesday, six Year 12 students took to the stage for the Head Student Hustings. Each delivered a unique and compelling speech, showcasing not only their leadership qualities but also their confidence and poise in front of the entire school. Their ability to communicate with flair and personality is a testament to the many opportunities our school provides for students to develop oracy skills—whether in lessons, house assemblies, or whole-school events like this one.
Oracy, as Miss English reminded us in staff briefing on Wednesday, begins in the classroom. Simple strategies like “think – pair – share”, something we have been focusing on this year, help students to find their voice, to practise speaking in front of others, and to feel confident contributing their ideas.
These strategies, combined with the many co-curricular opportunities offered at Brighton Girls, provide our students with the tools they need to be bold, speak up, and make their voices heard.
