Voices of Opportunity: Oracy for Social Mobility in Education

1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-003-86389-2
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 208 Seiten, Format (B × H): 174 mm x 246 mm

In this book, the vital role of language in shaping the life chances of children from contrasting ends of the social ladder is explored. Grounded in the latest research and the contemporary experiences of educators, it highlights how oracy is a key driver of upward social mobility, especially for the most disadvantaged children.

Drawing on case studies, classroom practice, and academic research, the book examines the widening language divide that emerges in early childhood and continues to grow throughout the educational journey. It contrasts the experiences of children from language-rich upbringings with those from language-poor backgrounds, showing how these differences affect access to learning, emotional wellbeing, and future life opportunities. Topics include the emerging word gap for under-threes, the importance of vocabulary development, the power of oracy for emotional regulation, and the barriers to career choices that result from poor language skills. The book also unpacks the evolving policy landscape, highlights organisations championing oracy nationwide, and reflects the growing optimism surrounding language development for the future.

This book is valuable for educators and school leaders seeking to understand the connection between oracy and social mobility. It offers practical strategies, tangible actions, and clear next steps for embedding oracy into schools.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core

Autoren/Hrsg.

Gardner, Michael

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Grundschulen, Hauptschulen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction 1. Demystifying Oracy 2. Defining Social Mobility 3. From Birth to Age 3 4. Entering EYFS: The ‘School Readiness’ Divide 5. Closing Gaps in EYFS 6. Time to Intervene 7. The Key to Unlocking Learning 8. The Vocabulary Gap 9. The Fourth R 10. Oracy for Wellbeing 11. Leveraging Oracy for Wellbeing 12. Barriers to the Workplace 13. Workplace of the Future 14. Fostering an Oracy Culture 15. Taking Action 16. Case Studies 17. Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Michael Gardner is the founder of The Oracy Shift, an organisation dedicated to elevating oracy in education. An experienced teacher, he is the Teaching and Learning Lead at Maritime Academy Trust, supporting professional development across 13 primary schools.