School Talks

We run whole cohort seminar sessions covering a topic from our school talk series: learning to fail, learning to learn and learning to communicate.

A man giving a presentation to a group of women seated at a table in a classroom or conference room setting. The man is wearing a dark blue shirt and a yellow lanyard, and the women are listening attentively. There are water bottles, notebooks, and snacks on the table, with a whiteboard in the background and a fire extinguisher on the wall.

We work with

How it works

Schools choose a topic from our Oppidan Talks series

Learning to fail

This talk addresses one of the biggest issues that we see holding young people back from maximising their potential: fear of failure.

Learning to learn

This talk is all about learning how to learn, rather than what to learn, with a particular focus on developing Executive Function and study skills.

Learning to communicate

This talk hones in on one of our key outcomes, oracy, by introducing students to the life-changing power of good communication skills. 

A woman with light brown hair and a smile, wearing a black jacket and a lanyard, is sitting at a table in a classroom or meeting room, gesturing with her right hand. There are water bottles, notebooks, and documents on the table. In the background, there is a brick wall and a colorful pride flag.

FAQs

  • Usually our talks last 60 minutes. However, this can be adapted to suit fixed timings for your school’s seminar slot, such as 45 or 90 minutes. 

  • Talks are tailored towards the target age range and are appropriate for anyone in Years 9-13. 

  • Our talks can take place in any term. Typically, schools use a pre-existing seminar or assembly slot. 

  • Our programmes are built using the Oxford Character Project framework for character development. We have developed our content in partnership with Skills Builder and with insights from Dr Ed Brookes at the Oxford Character Project. 

  • Pricing is dependent on location and cohort size. Please get in touch to discuss further. 

Testimonials

What they say

  • A man in a suit smiling in a spacious, wooden library or study room.

    Alastair Chirnside

    Warden, St. Edward’s Oxford

    “The sixth form scheme that Oppidan Education established was outstanding. The pupils developed skills of listening and understanding for life, becoming better leaders within the school community.”

  • An elderly woman with short blonde hair, wearing a beige blazer and pearl necklace, smiling in a library with wooden bookshelves filled with books in the background.

    Clarissa Farr

    Director of Education, Affinitas Education

    “The components on university application, interviewing and careers are useful springboards from which a school’s sixth form / HE leads could then provide further follow up and extension. There seems to be a strong element of implicit role modelling in what you do that is key to the motivation of the students and the appeal of the sessions.”

  • A woman with short blonde hair and light skin, wearing a pink blazer and a floral blouse, standing outdoors in front of a red brick building and greenery.

    Megan Morris

    Executive Principal, Malcolm Arnold Academy (DRET)

    “Oppidan has been very successful in our schools. The reach you have enabled us to have across our diverse intake of students, our most vulnerable learners and in creating enriching experiences for all; has been invaluable. We are thrilled to be building even further on this mighty work this academic year.”

  • Stylized logo with overlapping circles and the letters KAAA in white and green on a dark blue background.

    Olivia Boyle

    Head of Sixth Form, KA Academy

    “Wonderful to see a project that provides such tangible benefits to both groups of children. We have witnessed an increased confidence and sense of wellbeing for all students involved. We know teenagers learn best from their peers, and a programme such as this, feeds into that mentality in the best possible way.”

  • Logo of St. Dominic's Sixth Form College featuring a shield with a crown on top, a fleur-de-lis pattern inside, and the words 'VERITAS' on a ribbon, with the college name beneath.

    Pavandeep Gill

    Assistant Principal, St Dominic’s Sixth Form College

    The students thoroughly enjoyed the 1:1 sessions and I now have others asking if they could have this at a later date! The mentors were so talented and yet so down to earth, they were relatable and the students were so positive in their feedback to me. Thank you for preparing such a unique opportunity for them.here