I have over 15-years’ experience of running training simulations, and in 2020 I designed an oracy programme that uses original plays to develop the communication skills of its participants. Ever since, I have run the programme for teenagers at secondary schools as well as teachers across the UK, and many countries in central and eastern Europe.
What is oracy?
The term “oracy” refers to all communication skills, including reading, writing, listening, observation, public speaking, and even body language. As a training programme, not only does my oracy programme provide an engaging way of embracing Continual Professional Development, but it also gives teachers the opportunity to run the programme for their own students, a perk for which I don’t charge.
The course itself is flexible in its delivery and works well as a 1-6 day programme. Trainers can even choose to end the course with a live table reading of the full script, or run a live performance of the play where everybody has equal participation, allowing the course to end on a real high.
At present, there are three plays to choose from, all of which come with PDF lesson plans, scripts, workbook questions for participants, workbook answers for the trainers, and a central PowerPoint of the entire programme, which provides visual learning. I am also aiming to create at least one new play per year as I continue to build a library of content for the programme’s users.
Each course follows the same structure, allowing anyone who has experienced the oracy programme to teach it with real confidence, yet the different content leads to hugely different territory in terms of themes, emotions, and the discussions that naturally arise from each play.
Who is it for?
This programme is primarily for teachers of English and/or drama who are looking at innovative ways to engage learners with fresh content in their classroom. It also works well as a bibliotherapy / dramatherapy course in the mental health sector,
AVAILABLE COURSES | 2025-26
Title Silo
Genre Sci-fi / Drama
Themes Humanity’s relationship with technology / The pros and cons of AI / Pending sense of loss
Synopsis During a state of emergency, an inventor sends a self-building robot to his estranged father to care for him in his dying days. However, as the robot gets creative with the rules by which it’s governed, it starts to pose a threat to the whole of humanity.
Age Range 14+
Title The Lady by the Water
Genre Mystical / Fantasy / Drama
Themes Immigration / The human effects of war / The complexities of adoption / Becoming an orphan
Synopsis When an orphan named Eve is sent from her war-torn country to a loving couple in Devon who are unable to conceive, the mounting trauma makes her unable to speak. That all changes when a trip to the beach leads her to a mystical sea creature named Verity.
Age Range 11+
Title Good Grief
Genre Black Comedy / Drama
Themes Family dynamics / Grief / Loss / Living with regret
Synopsis When a feuding family return home for their mum’s funeral, a series of shocking revelations unfold, including the fact their dad has already buried her.
Age Range 14+
TESTIMONIALS
“An amazing, unique experience that I would recommend to every English teacher.”
Keti, Macedonia
“There is no course more wholesome than Jody’s oracy programme, which makes you believe in the power of education.”
Marija, Serbia
“One of the best international experiences I’ve ever had.”
Ziga, Slovenia
“I love how creative the course was, and the way it shows how powerful drama is for helping develop language.”
Natalia, Russia
“Since returning home, I’ve browsed through the photos and videos a hundred times. It was a pure delight.”
Dori, Hungary
“Even though I’m back at school, part of me is still reliving the oracy programme.”
Katja, Montenegro
“The combination of engaging content and practical communication skills makes this a ‘must attend’
for both teachers and students.”
Ana, Moldova
Myself as a trainer
Today, I am a published author, playwright, and fully credited screenwriter. However, at the age of 8, I couldn’t read a word until an English teacher took me under her wing and changed the course of my life, igniting a passion for the arts, as well as education. As a trainer, I always champion the message that good communication skills can directly influence the quality of your life by maximising your friendships and relationships. I also works as an integrative humanistic therapist, giving me a deep insight into people and their behaviour, and whenever I get the chance, I love to run talks and workshops on the English Language Teaching circuit to discuss the methodology of my work.
To see an example of one of my seminars, you can watch my session from the SCELT conference in Slovakia 2025 by clicking the link below. It’s worth knowing that I never do the same talk twice, so please come and see me again, even if you’ve attended before.
Contact Details
For any questions about the oracy programme, or for booking and availability, please contact me directly on the details below.
Jody Medland
+44 (0) 773 136 1264
jody@penworksmedia.co.uk
