Talk about respect project
The Talk About Respect Project - an innovative public speaking project for Foundation learners - was completed in July 2016 - see below a downloadable resource pack and video giving an overview of the project and its outcomes.
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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. It 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. The project theme focuses on respect and activity is centred around young people organising conferences at which their chosen aspects of the theme of respect are addressed. Public speaking opportunities are built in throughout the conference preparation and planning period with an emphasis on real-world contexts for speaking publicly and taking action on issues of concern. Active Citizens FE is collaborating with further education providers and Speakers Trust for this development work.
Public speaking and citizenship for all
The citizenship focus of the project ensures that stimulating real world contexts are made accessible to learners in relation to the development and practise of speaking and listening skills. Experience suggests that learning opportunities which include real and relevant activities and give young people the chance to take a lead can engage learners in public speaking activities very effectively.
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. It 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. The project theme focuses on respect and activity is centred around young people organising conferences at which their chosen aspects of the theme of respect are addressed. Public speaking opportunities are built in throughout the conference preparation and planning period with an emphasis on real-world contexts for speaking publicly and taking action on issues of concern. Active Citizens FE is collaborating with further education providers and Speakers Trust for this development work.
Public speaking and citizenship for all
The citizenship focus of the project ensures that stimulating real world contexts are made accessible to learners in relation to the development and practise of speaking and listening skills. Experience suggests that learning opportunities which include real and relevant activities and give young people the chance to take a lead can engage learners in public speaking activities very effectively.
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.
Resources
Partners involved in the project, and other organisations interested in developing their own similar projects, will find this selection of resources helpful for putting together programmes of activities for learners:
Note for current project partners: you can access the project documents via the closed link circulated to you or via the password protected link at the top of this page.
Note for current project partners: you can access the project documents via the closed link circulated to you or via the password protected link at the top of this page.