Year 12 – 13
Level 3 Award in Oracy
Key Stage: KS5
Exam Board: OCR
Qualification Gained: OCR Level 3 Award in Oracy
Assessment Breakdown:
- Group discussion and debate on a chosen topic
- Participation in group discussions and debates on topics chosen by other students, without the use of a script
- A formal 10–12-minute presentation to an audience on a chosen topic, supported by relevant research and academic sources
Together, these components assess students’ ability to think analytically and critically while communicating effectively and confidently.
Entry Requirements: There are no formal entry requirements.
Applicants are required to submit a short video explaining why they would like to take the course and the speaking and presentation skills they hope to develop.
The OCR Level 3 Award in Oracy is a nationally recognised qualification that enables students to develop advanced speaking and listening skills for higher education, employment and everyday life. Designed for post-16 learners, the qualification helps students become confident and effective communicators who can express ideas clearly, listen actively and engage thoughtfully with others.
Similar to the EPQ, Oracy complements students’ main programme of study by developing valuable transferable skills beyond traditional subject content. Students explore the principles of effective communication and apply them in practical contexts, developing their ability to discuss, debate, present and adapt their communication for different audiences.
Assessment is through non-examined assessment that is internally assessed and externally moderated. The practical nature of the qualification allows students to demonstrate their speaking and listening skills in a range of situations. The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction and attracts UCAS Tariff points.
Oracy develops skills that are highly valued by universities and employers, including public speaking, active listening, critical thinking, collaboration, self-reflection and audience awareness. These provide valuable preparation for university seminars, interviews, presentations and professional discussions.
Course Overview
What will I study?
Students develop their skills through structured teaching and practical activities, including:
- Introduction to Oracy
- Dynamics of conversation and group work
- Contributing meaningfully to debate
- Active and reflective listening techniques
- Constructive responses and challenges
- Group discussion practice
- Analysing and understanding the OCR brief
- Structural frameworks for presentations
- Managing tone and adapting communication for different audiences
- Rhetorical devices and vocabulary
- Managing stage fright and posture
- The Lightning Pitch
- Script crafting and visual aids
- Peer review and iterative refinement
- Presentation rehearsal
- Discussion practice
- Live NEA recordings
- Self-reflection and portfolio review
- Finalising the NEA and submission
Skills Gained
Through the EPQ, students develop:
- Independent research and enquiry skills
- Critical thinking and source evaluation
- Time management and organisation
- Academic writing and delivering structured arguments
- Presentation and communication skills
- Reflection and self-evaluation
These skills are transferable across all subjects and future pathways, strengthening university applications and career readiness.
Strong communication skills are valuable at university, in apprenticeships and throughout professional life. Oracy gives you the opportunity to develop the confidence to express complex ideas, listen critically, contribute effectively to discussions and present to different audiences.
Alongside your main Sixth Form programme, the qualification provides evidence of the communication, critical thinking, active listening, debate and presentation skills valued by universities and employers.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Potential Careers
The OCR Level 3 Award in Oracy provides strong evidence of academic independence and motivation for university applications. It enables students to demonstrate their ability to work at an advanced level, engage in critical debate and discussion and respond thoughtfully in professional settings.
Oracy also provides valuable preparation for higher education and future employment, where confident communication, independent thinking, effective discussion and presentation skills are highly valued.
