English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Author: Liam Morton

  • Easier to use ESB Speech Specifications

    ESB has taken steps to improve its Speech Specifications for 2022 in response to listening to new centres and the information they find helpful. The speech specifications which have been refreshed include Pre-entry to Level 3 (Grade 8) assessments.

    The improvements include:

    • A new page detailing the benefits of improving learners’ oracy skills, the benefits our assessments can have in terms of curriculum design, and the benefits of our group-based assessments.
    • A new page describing the skills and advantages afforded by each section of the qualification including presenting, reading aloud and critical reviews.
    • A link to a sample selection of resources (with more resources to follow as we develop them).
    • An updated page showing how each qualification links to the National Curriculum, with links that direct the reader to the specific segment of the National Curriculum.
    • Clarification on the use of ‘Standard English’ in ESB International assessments.
    • Updated Assessment Overview pages, with clearer, more contemporary and relevant example topics.
    • Updated and simplified information on Assessment and Grading, providing more clarity on weighting, reports and certificates.
    • Our pathways specifications have been redesigned to make them easier to navigate.

    We want to make our assessments as easy as possible to deliver and these Speech Specifications’ improvements should give teachers a clearer starting point as they embark on teaching ESB Speech Assessments to their learners. Our purpose is to support all learners to possess the oracy skills they need in order to achieve their aspirations. Our new Specifications are the first step to giving learners the opportunities to develop and demonstrate their Oracy skills and build their confidence to lead full and productive lives.

    ESB Chief Assessor, Ben Jackson

    The full list of qualifications with new specifications are:

    ESB Pre-Entry Level Award in Speech

    ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Entry 1)

    ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Entry 2)

    ESB Entry Level Award in Speech (Entry 3)

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 1)

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 2) – Speech for Employability

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 2) – Speech to Perform

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 2) – Speech to Inform

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 2) – Speech to Connect

    ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 3)

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 4) – Speech for Employability

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 4) – Speech to Perform

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 4) – Speech to Inform

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 4) – Speech to Connect

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 5a Drama Focus)

    ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grade 5b Presentation Focus)

    ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 6)

    ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 8)

    Interested in our Speech qualifications? There is no time like the present, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! Read about the qualifications that we have on offer here, or alternatively if you simply wish to have an informal chat about our qualifications, please contact a member of the Product Development Team at product@esbuk.org.

  • Festive period closing notice

    We would like to inform you that the offices of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. will be closed from 23rd December 2021– 3rd January 2022 inclusive, for the festive period. We will reopen on Tuesday 4th January, 2022.

    Please be assured that all queries will be answered as soon as we return.

    Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working with you in 2022.

    We wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year from the ESB Team!

  • ESB reaches more learners facing disadvantage!

    As part of its 70/70 Campaign, ESB is supporting learners at Staffordshire’s St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy to boost their oracy skills by enabling them access to its Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 6) assessments.

    With many learners at the school facing disadvantage due to socio economic factors and migration status, ESB aims to equip these learners with the communication skills they need in order to achieve their aspirations.

    Says ESB Organiser at St Margaret Ward, Mary Yates, “We, at St Margaret Ward, are always so impressed with the impact that ESB assessments have on developing our students’ self-confidence. Public speaking is not a skill many of our students come to naturally, so it is always a pleasure to witness their oratory skills progress as they practise for the assessment.

    “Watching their sheer relief turn into pride upon receiving their results, only further solidifies the importance of this certification.”

    ESB Assessor, Louise Fox, said, “I received a very warm welcome at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy. It’s a delightful school and the children were all keen and receptive. They had prepared super presentations and visual aids. Feedback received after the examinations was positive and encouraging, the children had clearly benefitted and developed their confidence due to this opportunity. Well done!!”

    ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw adds, “Here at ESB, we are steadfast in our determination to support as many disadvantaged groups as possible from the charity and community sectors, as well as educational centres and we are passionate to help close the disadvantage gap, as demonstrated by our 70/70 Campaign. I’m thrilled that our initiative has enabled learners at St Margaret Ward to complete our assessments, unlocking their potential and raising their achievement.”

    St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy is just one of the schools that is using ESB to help its learners to develop essential life skills, but ESB would like to help many more.
    If you believe your learners or young people would benefit from an Oracy journey which includes ESB assessments, we would love to hear from you! Once you contact us you can also find out whether your centre is eligible for funding and support. Please email business@esbuk.org. For further details about our 70/70 Campaign, please click here.

  • ESB introduces digital sound files in response to feedback from its ESOL Skills for Life Centres

    ESB is giving centres the option for their assessor to use digital sound files in their ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening assessments.

    From January 2022, ESB assessors will be able to play audio files for the Listening Task from a centre’s classroom computer. These digital sound files are merely an alternative – not a replacement – to using CD players and centres may continue to use CDs if they wish.

    Please read the following steps that are necessary to enable ESB’s assessors to use digital sound files at your centre:

    • Arrange for the assessor to be able to access a computer/laptop with an internet connection. They may need a guest account.
    • Ensure that the sound quality and volume is satisfactory, and that the assessor can control the volume.
    • Before the session, agree with the assessor whether the digital option or CDs will be used.

    ESB values transparency as one of its most defining characteristics and always encourages feedback from its customers. We hope this new development will further enable your learners to successfully complete our assessments, boosting their progression and employability!