Building the Kingdom · Pupil voice in action
Speaking truth to power
Helping children and young people find their voice, understand Catholic Social Teaching and advocate for a more just world.
Oracy for Advocacy enables pupils to explore a theme rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, shape a well-informed response and speak directly to MPs and other public decision-makers.
“Every pupil has something worth saying—and every voice deserves to be heard.”
Voice, dignity and participation
Oracy with a moral purpose
This is more than public speaking. Pupils learn to listen carefully, think deeply and use their voice in service of others.
Schools guide pupils through a process of research, discernment, speech writing and rehearsal before they present their ideas to people with the power to influence public life. The chosen focus is connected to Catholic Social Teaching and to real issues affecting people, communities and the environment.
The project deliberately creates space for children and young people who may not usually volunteer to speak. Schools are encouraged to notice the quieter voice, the overlooked perspective and the pupil whose confidence can grow when somebody first says, “Your voice matters.”
Find your voice
Develop confidence, clarity and the ability to communicate with purpose.
Stand beside others
Use oracy to advocate with and for people whose dignity or wellbeing is threatened.
Influence change
Present informed ideas to MPs and others who shape policy and public life.
Catholic Social Teaching
Faith that becomes action
Each school selects a relevant theme through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, helping pupils connect faith, evidence and lived experience.
Human dignity
Every person is made in the image and likeness of God and must be treated with respect.
The common good
Public choices should help every person and community to flourish.
Option for the poor
The needs and experiences of people who are poorest or most vulnerable receive particular attention.
Solidarity
We belong to one human family and share responsibility for one another.
Participation
People should have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.
Care for creation
We are called to protect our common home and act for environmental justice.
The pupil journey
From listening to advocacy
A structured process supports pupils to move from first questions to an informed and persuasive contribution.
- 1
Encounter the issue
Begin with a real social, moral or environmental question and listen to the people most affected by it.
- 2
Explore Catholic Social Teaching
Consider what Scripture and the Church’s social teaching reveal about dignity, justice and the common good.
- 3
Research and discern
Gather reliable evidence, encounter different perspectives and decide what change should be sought.
- 4
Craft the message
Write, refine and rehearse a compelling speech that combines evidence, conviction and an achievable call to action.
- 5
Speak to power
Present directly to MPs and other decision-makers, respond to questions and invite them to act.
Pupil voice in action
Young advocates speaking with courage
Oracy for Advocacy brings pupils together to share ideas, challenge injustice and contribute confidently to public conversation.
What pupils develop
Skills, confidence and a commitment to justice
Purposeful oracy
Speaking clearly, adapting to an audience and using language to inform, persuade and inspire.
Critical thinking
Evaluating evidence, recognising different perspectives and building a reasoned argument.
Moral discernment
Connecting complex issues with Catholic faith, conscience and the demands of justice.
Democratic participation
Understanding how citizens can engage respectfully with representatives and influence change.
Personal confidence
Discovering that a quiet voice can carry authority when it is informed, prepared and supported.
Hopeful leadership
Moving beyond identifying problems to proposing constructive action for the common good.
Information for schools
About taking part
The project is adaptable to different phases and local contexts while retaining its Catholic Social Teaching foundation.
Who is Oracy for Advocacy for?
It is designed for pupils in Catholic primary and secondary schools. Schools can adapt the preparation to suit the age, experience and needs of their pupils.
How should pupils be selected?
Schools should look beyond the pupils who already volunteer for public speaking. The project is particularly powerful when careful encouragement, formation and rehearsal enable a quieter or less frequently heard pupil to contribute.
What can pupils speak about?
Topics should be current, meaningful and connected to Catholic Social Teaching. They might address poverty, human dignity, migration, peace, inclusion, care for creation, local inequality or another issue identified by pupils and their community.
Who hears the pupils’ advocacy?
The project creates opportunities for pupils to address MPs and may also involve other civic leaders, public representatives or people able to influence the chosen issue.
What support do schools receive?
EducareM works with schools to shape the project, support Catholic Social Teaching formation and help pupils develop well-researched, purposeful and compelling contributions.
Bring pupil voice into public life
Explore Oracy for Advocacy for your school
Contact EducareM to discuss how pupils in your school or group of schools could research, prepare and speak on a Catholic Social Teaching theme.