TY - JOUR N2 - This essay explores the place of debating, talk and group work in the Secondary English classroom. It discusses the ways in which pupils in one student teacher?s year 7 class thrive in the dialogic classroom against the backdrop of curricular and attitudinal change. It considers the importance of talk and debate amongst the ?communities of practice? in schools and universities in empowering teachers to challenge and navigate policies, theories and practices. In exploring the role of play, student experiences and different forms of talk, this essay highlights their vital importance in relation to teaching and learning in English and in the formation of English teachers. VL - 27 ID - discovery10126045 N1 - This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher?s terms and conditions. JF - Changing English EP - 294 AV - public UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1358684x.2020.1777532 SP - 285 KW - Oracy KW - talk KW - debate KW - role KW - collaboration KW - teacher development TI - Finding Voice: Debating in Secondary School English IS - 3 A1 - Stockdale, F Y1 - 2020/07/02/ PB - Informa UK Limited ER -