Oracy & Debating
At Ibstock, we believe that confident communication is at the heart of every child’s success.
Our Oracy lessons are designed to develop pupils’ speaking, listening, and presentation skills — enabling them to express themselves clearly, listen thoughtfully, and engage respectfully with others.
As well as developing these key life skills, it lays a strong foundation for Ibstock Secondary School, where Oracy is embedded in the curriculum from Senior 7.
Read Headmaster Chis Wolsey's article on The Importance of Oracy for Young People, published in Independent School Parent magazine, March 2025.
Kindergarten to Prep 2 - Building Strong Foundations
| Kindergarten |
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Kindergarten pupils take part in weekly Oracy lessons that align with the Early Learning Goal for Language and Communication. These sessions focus on:
Lessons follow the English Speaking Board (ESB) framework during the Autumn Term, introducing children to the joy of speaking and performing in front of others. All lessons and assessments are carried out within the school day, ensuring oracy skills develop naturally as part of everyday learning. |
| Prep 1 and Prep 2 |
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As pupils progress into Prep 1 and Prep 2, Oracy lessons become more structured around preparing for ESB qualifications. Prep 1 - Pupils work towards their ESB exam in the Summer Term, with regular class practice and teacher feedback to build confidence. Prep 2 - Pupils prepare for their ESB exams during the Spring and Summer Terms, with weekly opportunities to practise performances and refine their speaking skills in front of their peers. All ESB activities for Kindergarten to Prep 2 take place in lesson time during the school day, allowing pupils to learn, prepare, and perform in a supportive classroom environment. |
ESB Qualifications Overview
All ESB assessments from Kindergarten to Prep 2 take place within the school day, during timetabled lessons. From Prep 3 to Prep 6, ESB preparation is offered as optional after-school clubs during the Spring Term, providing an opportunity for pupils to further challenge themselves and build confidence in formal speech and presentation.
| Year Groups | ESB Qualification | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | ESB Early Steps: Step 1 (Speaking Together) | Foundation |
| Prep 1 | ESB Early Steps: Step 2 (Speaking Out) | Foundation |
| Prep 2 | ESB Pre-Entry Level Award in Speech |
Pre-Entry |
| Prep 3 | ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Level 1) | Entry Level 1 |
| Prep 4 | ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Level 2) | Entry Level 2 |
| Prep 5 | ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Level 3) |
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| Prep 6 |
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Debating and Enrichment
Public speaking continues to flourish beyond the classroom through our Debating Club.
In previous years, pupils have taken part in national and local competitions such as the Noisy Classroom Cicero Cup and the South Hampstead High School Prep 5 and 6 Competition.
We also run House Debating, giving pupils the chance to engage in friendly competition and develop persuasive speaking and critical thinking skills.
The Debating Club will resume in the Spring Term, offering a platform for pupils to explore topical issues and practise structured argument in a supportive environment.
Explore our Sixth Form
