What a year!

I hope 2024 went well for you. Here are a few of my highlights:

• The Oracy Education Commission report came out in September, recommending that oracy becomes the ‘fourth R’.

• The new Government have said that oracy will be part of a revised national curriculum in England.

• The new and improved SAPERE Level 1 P4C course.

• I published my first book – Oracy: 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers (win a copy here… I’m now working with two colleagues on a version for secondary teachers).

• Interest in oracy from schools around the world at this year’s Cambridge International conference, where I co-delivered a workshop.

• Sold-out public philosophy event in Sheffield (my ‘Hoops of Happiness’ activity and more info about the event here).

• Helping students to speak more in university seminars, through some units I’ve been developing for the Open University.

• Amazing turn-out and engagement from parents who joined in a special parent workshop on Philosophy for Children at their children’s school in Greater Manchester.

• I’ve spoken about oracy on three podcasts this year, including this one on Teachers Talk Radio.

Delegates discussing my book at the Cambridge International conference

‘Hoops of Happiness’ activity at public philosophy event

I wish you a happy new year, and more pupils talking, listening, thinking and learning in 2025!