Wilson's School

Speech

At Wilson’s, the development of speech is central to our curriculum. Pupils’ ability to communicate effectively is fundamental to academic success, leadership and active participation in society. Every pupil leaves Wilson’s as an articulate, confident and thoughtful communicator, able to present ideas with clarity and engage critically with others as a result of our carefully planned and integrated provision.

Our Vision for Speech

We define speech as the ability to speak, listen and communicate effectively. Pupils are taught to recognise and master different forms of communication, from formal presentations and public speaking to discussion, debate, interviews and even small talk.

By the time pupils leave the school, we ensure they have been taught to:

  • Use vocal techniques, such as emphasis, tone, pace, pausing and inflection, deliberately to engage and influence audiences.
  • Employ eye contact and facial expression to build rapport and communicate with impact.
  • Use movement and body language purposefully and naturally to strengthen communication.
  • Communicate complex ideas using precise, sophisticated and subject-specific language.
  • Listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions and build constructively on the contributions of others.
  • Demonstrate the breadth and depth of their thinking through articulate discussion and conversation.

Speech Across the Curriculum

High-quality speech is an expectation in every lesson. Structured opportunities for discussion are built into daily classroom practice. Pupils are expected to use precise disciplinary language and present their ideas clearly. Speech is developed across all subject areas and throughout all year groups.

A Cyclical Approach to Speech Development

One of the distinctive aspects of our provision is the carefully sequenced curriculum that runs alongside the expectation that every pupil develops their communication skills in every lesson.

  • Pupils begin with Year 7 Drama, where they develop secure foundations in clarity, projection and delivery. This well-established provision will be enhanced from 2026–27 through the Vox programme, providing Year 7 pupils with further structured opportunities to practise and refine these skills.
  • In Year 8, pupils continue to develop their communication through Speech and Drama, building confidence, expression and performance skills. The programme then develops further through our highly distinctive Elizabethan Programme in Year 9. Pupils deliver presentations on works of art, perform poetry and deliver persuasive speeches.
  • These core principles are revisited and extended in Year 10 through Speech and Drama, enabling pupils to refine their speaking, listening and performance skills in increasingly sophisticated contexts.
  • In the Sixth Form, the Futures Programme develops pupils’ mastery of formal and conversational speech, preparing them for interviews, university applications, leadership positions and professional environments.

Assessment and Feedback

Pupils are provided with:

  • Structured opportunities to speak in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Clear success criteria for effective communication.
  • Regular opportunities for rehearsal and refinement.
  • Bespoke feedback on presentation, discussion and listening skills.

Leadership and Co-Curricular Opportunities

Speech is further developed through a wide range of leadership and co-curricular opportunities.

Sixth Form pupils regularly lead tutor sessions, mentor younger pupils and contribute to school events through presentations and public speaking. Leadership positions such as School Captain, House Captain and Prefect provide authentic opportunities to communicate with confidence and authority.

Pupils can further develop their skills through debating, Model United Nations, the RAF Section of the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh presentations, STEM clubs, robotics projects, school productions and showcase events.

These experiences allow pupils to communicate with a range of audiences, construct arguments, explain complex ideas and develop the confidence to speak publicly in demanding situations.