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One-off or regular donations are vital to our work, helping us ensure that young people everywhere have the oracy skills they need to thrive

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We’re hugely grateful to those who volunteer their time in helping to organise and run ESU programmes and competitions. Find out how you could help

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‘We rely on the generous support of our members, donors and volunteers to ensure we can reach those children who need our help most’

Home > Programmes

Find out more about our debating, public speaking and cultural exchange programmes

Discover Your Voice

A group of cheering primary school pupils with two teachers at the back. Two of the girls are wearing headscarves and one is holding a trophy in her hand.

WHAT: Full- or half-day oracy, debating, public speaking or performing workshops

AGE: 7-18 years old

DELIVERY: ESU-delivered

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DEBATE ACADEMY

A male and a female secondary school students sitting close to each other. Both are holding papers in their hands and at the same time, they are carefully studying the papers in the boy's hand.

WHAT: Week-long summer residential debating programme

AGE: 14-18 years old

DELIVERY: ESU-delivered

HOW: Register your interest for Debate Academy 2023

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Secondary School Exchange

A photo of the main entrance of Academia school building with the flags of the United States of America and China.

WHAT: Year at an American high school

AGE: Post-Year 13 students

DELIVERY: Partner schools in US

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House of Lords Chamber Debate

A photo of the House of Lords with school students and House Members.

WHAT: Prestigious debate in the House of Lords for selected schools

AGE: Year 10 and above

DELIVERY: ESU-delivered

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RELATED CONTENT

A male secondary school student with lens glasses on is standing while speaking.

Competitions

Take your students’ debating or public speaking skills to the next level with one of our competitions

Resources

Free resources to get your students interested in debating and public speaking

 Liezel Jacobs and the pupils are standing inside a classroom and listening to her speaks.

CPD

Develop your teaching practice with our workshops and exchanges

 A primary school male teacher and a group pupils (boys and girls) sitting in circle on the floor. A boy and a girl raised their hands in the air.

Awards

Put your school on the map as a centre for excellency in oracy

 Four primary school pupils (all girls) standing inside a classroom, and one raised her hand in the air.

Our mission

The ESU’s mission is to give young people the speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive

 Four Primary School Pupils sitting closer to each other and smiling

Changing Lives

Hear from our alumni about the difference the ESU has made to their lives


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