Last week, education secretary Lucy Powell pledged to “hardwire” oracy into the national curriculum, giving it equal status to reading and writing. This change is long overdue. Now we need to be clear about what it means for schools and what they need to make it happen. At Voice 21, the national oracy charity, we have worked with more than 2,500 schools over the past decade. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in