Speak out for change: Public speaking for active citizenship

Purpose and approach
This Paul Hamlyn Foundation-funded project to widen access to public speaking is devised and organised by Active Citizens FE. The project supports the development of innovative, replicable methodologies for increasing participation in public speaking in the context of citizenship learning.
The project focuses on extending opportunities for learners in the 16-19 age group working at Foundation Level (mainly Entry Level 3 and Level 1) to develop relevant speaking and listening skills and to experience a sense of empowerment and increased self-esteem by speaking publicly on issues of concern to them - making a difference by speaking out. Active Citizens FE has collaborated with six further education providers for this development work and the outcomes are recorded in six case studies, which can be seen below. They include links to examples of learning resources and activities from each project, some of which are editable.
Public speaking and citizenship for all
Inclusivity and enabling learners at Foundation level to develop skills to have a say and have stake in society are at the heart of the project. We passionately believe such opportunities must be made available to all learners in all groups regardless of background or initial starting point and capability. Too often it is assumed that debating, other forms of public speaking and a political interest are the preserve of high achieving students at the ‘best’ schools and universities.
This Paul Hamlyn Foundation-funded project to widen access to public speaking is devised and organised by Active Citizens FE. The project supports the development of innovative, replicable methodologies for increasing participation in public speaking in the context of citizenship learning.
The project focuses on extending opportunities for learners in the 16-19 age group working at Foundation Level (mainly Entry Level 3 and Level 1) to develop relevant speaking and listening skills and to experience a sense of empowerment and increased self-esteem by speaking publicly on issues of concern to them - making a difference by speaking out. Active Citizens FE has collaborated with six further education providers for this development work and the outcomes are recorded in six case studies, which can be seen below. They include links to examples of learning resources and activities from each project, some of which are editable.
Public speaking and citizenship for all
Inclusivity and enabling learners at Foundation level to develop skills to have a say and have stake in society are at the heart of the project. We passionately believe such opportunities must be made available to all learners in all groups regardless of background or initial starting point and capability. Too often it is assumed that debating, other forms of public speaking and a political interest are the preserve of high achieving students at the ‘best’ schools and universities.
Case Studies
Resources
See links below for recommended resources for education and training providers interested in running similar projects: