Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about teaching Mighty Oak in your classroom.
Your questions, answered
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What is Mighty Oak?
A ready-to-teach oral language programme that gives every child a real turn to speak in every lesson. Pupils practise four simple speaking skills (Presence, Eye Contact, Gestures and Voice), first with one listener, then a few, then the whole class.
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Which classes is it for?
In Ireland, there is a programme for every class from 1st to 6th Class. In the UK, there is a programme for every year group from Year 2 to Year 6. The same four skills run through every level and build each year.
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Do I need public-speaking experience to teach this?
No. Follow the routine, model the skill, keep feedback short and specific, and give children plenty of time actually speaking. Once you have taught the first lesson, you have understood the programme.
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How much class time does it take?
Each lesson takes about 30 minutes. The routine is designed to be revisited, so you can stop at a natural point and pick it up again.
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Do I need any special equipment?
No. Just a projector or interactive whiteboard to show the Lesson Slides, and enough space for pupils to turn towards a partner, a group or the front of the room.
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What about shy or reluctant speakers?
Children can begin by watching and listening, joining a whole-class or paired response, or speaking quietly to one trusted partner. A child who does not speak today has not failed the lesson. The programme keeps them inside the learning and gives them a route back into speaking.
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Does it work in a multi-class or split-year classroom?
Yes. Teach the routine to everyone together, keep the same picture or prompt, and vary what you expect from each class level or year group.
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Can we teach it through Irish?
Yes. The routine (Look → Think → Sort Words → Speak → Feedback) transfers directly to Gaeilge and Gaelscoileanna.
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Does it support EAL and SEND pupils?
Yes. The programme follows Universal Design for Learning principles. Support can be adjusted (extra thinking time, fewer skills at once, a supportive partner) without changing the learning goal.
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How does it link to the curriculum?
In Ireland, it supports the Oral Language strand of the Primary Language Curriculum (2025), with links to SPHE, Drama and Gaeilge. In the UK, it supports the Spoken Language requirements of the National Curriculum for England, with links to PSHE and Relationships Education.
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How do we show evidence of impact?
Each Programme Brief includes simple before-and-after assessment guidance using a four-point rubric for Presence, Eye Contact, Gestures and Voice. This gives schools clear evidence for School Self-Evaluation, school development planning or inspection.
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How much does it cost?
Each class programme is €75 in Ireland, or £65 (charged as €75) in the UK, with instant access. Whole-school licences are also available. Contact us for pricing.
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What if my question is not answered here?
Contact us at [email protected] and we will get back to you directly.