Bridget Phillipson proposes assessing public speaking in GCSEs
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has proposed assessing public speaking as part of GCSEs, prompting a debate about how schools should recognise communication skills. The proposal would make speaking and presenting a more formal part of pupils’ qualifications.
The article invites readers to vote on whether they agree with the idea. It provides no poll results or further details about how the assessment would work.
- Bridget Phillipson wants public speaking assessed in GCSEs.
- The proposal has prompted a reader poll.
- The article gives no poll results.
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GCSEs are exams and qualifications taken by pupils in England, usually at about 16. They cover a range of school subjects and can affect choices about further study and training.
Bridget Phillipson is the government minister responsible for education in England. Public speaking means communicating ideas aloud to an audience, for example through a speech or presentation.
The proposal raises questions about how schools could assess spoken communication and how much weight it should carry in a qualification. Any assessment would need to fit alongside the existing GCSE subjects and exams.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Assessing public speaking could give formal recognition to communication skills that matter in further study, work and civic life. Including it in GCSEs may encourage schools to teach speaking and presenting systematically, rather than leaving pupils’ opportunities to practise these skills to chance.
The case against
Making public speaking part of GCSE assessment could add pressure to an already consequential qualification and reward performance in a way that disadvantages some pupils, including those with anxiety or communication needs. Without clear details about assessment and support, schools may also struggle to judge speaking consistently or give it appropriate time alongside other learning.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “The Morning Poll: Do you agree with the Education Secretary that public speaking should be assessed in GCSEs?”.