KMPF, in collaboration with Canterbury Christ Church University, is hosting The Great Oracy Conversation — a conference bringing together policymakers, education leaders, academics, and practitioners to promote oracy development among young people in the South East. The conference will be held on Friday, 11 July 2025, 10.00 am – 3.15 pm, at Canterbury Christ Church University (Verona Holmes Building).
Oracy — the ability to speak and communicate effectively — has been recognised as the ‘fourth R’ by the Oracy Education Commission, joining reading, writing, and arithmetic as a core educational priority. With the Prime Minister identifying speaking skills as a key area of focus, this event offers a timely opportunity to create a joined-up approach to advancing oracy across our region.
Through keynote speeches, roundtable sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference will provide a platform to share evidence-based strategies, highlight successful interventions, and explore the practicalities of embedding oracy into education and training settings.
Speakers will include representatives from literacy charities, academic institutions, and schools already leading the way in oracy education. The event will also explore the wider challenges of promoting oracy in further and higher education and employment contexts, particularly where competing priorities may exist.
By working together, we aim to build momentum and create a collaborative plan to ensure all young people in the South East can develop the communication skills they need to succeed in learning, life, and work.
Interested in attending or learning more? Book your place here.
Download the Oracy Conference Flyer.