Oracy

Our Year 7–10 students actively take part in our school’s debate competitions, where they develop their oracy skills by discussing and challenging each other’s views on a range of thought-provoking topics such as:

Through these debates, students build confidence, improve their speaking and listening skills, and learn how to express their opinions clearly, respectfully, and persuasively.

Form time

During form time, students take part in oracy workshops designed to build confidence in speaking and listening. They practise expressing their ideas clearly, taking turns in discussion, and using respectful language while debating real-world topics and school issues. Below is an example:

Oracy in Action: Youth MP Speeches and Leadership Opportunities

As part of our commitment to developing confident speakers and active citizens, three students recently prepared and delivered one-minute speeches in front of a Key Stage 4 audience as part of the Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP elections.

The students who took part were Sadia Matuber (year 11), Ammarah Ilyas (year 10) and Zainab M (Year 11), all of whom demonstrated excellent oracy skills, including clear articulation, persuasive language, and confidence when speaking to a large audience.

Speech Winner: Ammarah Ilyas

The overall winner was Ammarah, who delivered a powerful and thoughtful speech focusing on mental health and young people, highlighting current challenges faced by youth and proposing practical ways schools and communities can better support mental wellbeing.

Youth MP Residential Experience

Following the speech success, Ammarah attended a weekend residential with other Youth MP candidates from across the Blackburn with Darwen borough. This residential formed a key part of the Youth MP selection process and focused on leadership, teamwork and civic engagement

During the residential, students took part in team-building and trust-based activities, critical discussions and debates, learning how decisions are made including how laws are formed, petition writing and campaigning skills, and presentations delivered collaboratively with other Youth MP candidates.

Key skills developed included assessing surroundings, trial and error, resilience, teamwork, and confident public speaking.

Feedback from the Participation and Inclusion Manager praised AI’s full engagement, strong participation, and her ability to use critical thinking skills to challenge ideas respectfully and constructively, making a positive contribution to group discussions.

Youth Forum Involvement

As part of her ongoing involvement, Ammarah will attend the Youth Forum, which runs weekly from 5–7pm. The forum brings together Youth MPs, Deputy Youth MPs and representatives from schools across the borough to discuss and influence local decision-making on issues affecting young people

Campaign Priorities

If elected as Youth MP, Ammarah has identified two key campaigns she would like to champion.

Mental Health Awareness: expanding mental health education in schools, reducing stigma through open discussion, and improving access to support services for young people.

Tackling Misogyny: educating young people about respect, equality and gender issues, challenging harmful stereotypes and attitudes, and promoting safe and inclusive environments for all students.

Next Steps: Youth MP Voting

The next stage of the process is the Youth MP election vote. Ballot boxes, posters and ballot papers will be delivered to school, and students will take part in a formal voting process. The candidate with the most votes will be elected as the Youth MP.

We are incredibly proud of all students who took part and commend their courage, preparation and professionalism.

We wish Ammarah the very best of luck in the upcoming vote.