Oracy & Debating
At Ibstock, we believe in the transformative power of oracy and the role of schools as agents for change.
Oracy is at the heart of the school and embedded in our curriculum from Year 7. Our pupils achieve significant success in competitive debating and we are proud to help others through our community partnerships.
Read Headmaster Chis Wolsey's article on The Importance of Oracy for Young People, published in Independent School Parent magazine, March 2025.
Oracy & Debating Lessons
Unusually, Oracy and Debating are part of the formal taught curriculum at Ibstock. From Year 7 pupils take weekly Oracy & Debating lessons, culminating in an English Speaking Board (ESB) Public Speaking qualification at the end of Year 7 and a Debating qualification at the end of Year 8. We prepare pupils for their future using oracy to foster acceptance and inclusion. This goes far beyond public speaking, to building confidence for pupils, developing their influencing skills, and empowering them to find and express their own voice.
Debating Partnerships
As a centre of excellence for oracy and debating, Ibstock is proud to support partner organisations through use of our facilities, pupil volunteering, and in sharing the expertise of our staff.
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Debate EnglandIbstock’s Head of Oracy, Dr Hazell, is Head Coach of Debate England, home of England Schools Debating. Our facilities are used pro-bono for the selection and training of the England Schools Debating squad. Olivia, Captain of Ibstock's Competitive Debating Team in 2024, was one of fourteen pupils selected onto the England squad. Dr Hazell and Olivia travelled to Belgrade in Summer 2024 for the 35th Annual World Schools' Debating Championship. |
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Noisy ClassroomNoisy Classroom is the UK’s leading expert in critical oracy and debating for primary and secondary schools. We support the valuable work of Noisy Classroom, promoting oracy in classrooms across the UK and around the world. As a centre of excellence for oracy, we have enjoyed welcoming debaters from across the world in partnership with Noisy Classroom, hosting students from as far as Tanzania for cultural exchange and debate. |
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Ibstock Junior Debating CompetitionTo promote and encourage debating, Ibstock hosts an annual debating competition for pupils from Year 5 at local schools, with coaching by Dr Hazell, Head Coach of Debate England. For further information please contact events@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk |
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Sixth Form VolunteeringAs part of our timetabled volunteering programme, a group of Sixth Form pupils make weekly visits to a local primary school to coach Year 6 pupils in oracy and debating skills. This includes how to structure an argument, how to effectively rebutt other people's points, and building confidence in presentations. |
Ibstock Oracy Week
Our inaugural Oracy Week will take place from 12 - 16 May 2025 with a wide variety of activities including competitions, debates, workshops and more.
Competitive Debating
Our debaters excel at a range of prestigious debating competitions across the UK with success at national level. We congratulate our pupils on their excellent results.
Explore our Sixth Form
