Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
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Finding their voice: Leeds Beckett project empowers primary school children to speak with confidence
Primary school children across West Yorkshire are finding their voices through an inspiring Collaborative Leeds Beckett and schools initiative designed to build confidence, raise aspirations and put young people's perspectives centre stage.
Now in its third year, Chatbooth was developed in partnership with Carlton Junior and Infant School and Dr Pinky Jain, Head of Teacher Education at Leeds Beckett, following concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's confidence and communication skills.
What began as a pilot with one Year 6 class has since expanded to more schools across the region, giving children the opportunity to research, write and deliver three-minute, TED Talk-style speeches on topics they feel passionate about.
Rather than adding to an already busy school timetable, Chatbooth is embedded within the Primary curriculum. Pupils develop their speeches in school before visiting Leeds Beckett's campus for workshops in debating, drama and public speaking, alongside opportunities to explore university life.
Selected pupils then return to the university to present their speeches in the Great Hall before an audience of parents, teachers and guests.
From climate change and social media to the value of failure, the children have tackled thought-provoking topics, demonstrating what can happen when young people are given the confidence and freedom to express their ideas.
Dr Pinky Jain said: “We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for children to express themselves, share their ideas and feel confident that their voices matter.
“Chatbooth is about giving children the freedom to speak about the things that are important to them. When we give them that opportunity, we see just how much value they can add to our thinking.”
Beyond developing communication skills, the initiative is helping to raise aspirations and giving families an opportunity to see their children's abilities in a new light.
Building on its success, the university is now expanding the project through a new podcasting initiative, which will enable more schools to take part. Schools will be supported to record pupils' contributions, with plans to bring together children's perspectives alongside expert commentary on the issues they raise.
The project reflects Leeds Beckett's commitment to connecting teacher education with real classroom experiences, and its wider ambition to place human flourishing at the heart of all its work in Initial Teacher Education, while ensuring children are not simply part of the conversation about education, but are empowered to help shape it.
What began as a pilot with one Year 6 class has since expanded to more schools across the region, giving children the opportunity to research, write and deliver three-minute, TED Talk-style speeches on topics they feel passionate about.
Rather than adding to an already busy school timetable, Chatbooth is embedded within the Primary curriculum. Pupils develop their speeches in school before visiting Leeds Beckett's campus for workshops in debating, drama and public speaking, alongside opportunities to explore university life.
Selected pupils then return to the university to present their speeches in the Great Hall before an audience of parents, teachers and guests.
From climate change and social media to the value of failure, the children have tackled thought-provoking topics, demonstrating what can happen when young people are given the confidence and freedom to express their ideas.
Dr Pinky Jain said: “We have a responsibility to create meaningful opportunities for children to express themselves, share their ideas and feel confident that their voices matter.
“Chatbooth is about giving children the freedom to speak about the things that are important to them. When we give them that opportunity, we see just how much value they can add to our thinking.”
Beyond developing communication skills, the initiative is helping to raise aspirations and giving families an opportunity to see their children's abilities in a new light.
Building on its success, the university is now expanding the project through a new podcasting initiative, which will enable more schools to take part. Schools will be supported to record pupils' contributions, with plans to bring together children's perspectives alongside expert commentary on the issues they raise.
The project reflects Leeds Beckett's commitment to connecting teacher education with real classroom experiences, and its wider ambition to place human flourishing at the heart of all its work in Initial Teacher Education, while ensuring children are not simply part of the conversation about education, but are empowered to help shape it.
