I used to see reading a book as a punishment… and now it’s one of my favourite hobbies.
ESB learner
Research shows that children who read for pleasure achieve higher academic success and enhanced well-being. According to the National Literacy Trust, young people who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have higher mental well-being compared to those who do not.
Through ESB’s unique oracy assessments, learners are encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills by engaging with literature in meaningful ways, boosting reading for pleasure.
Says ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw:
At ESB, we believe in nurturing confident, expressive young people who find joy and connection through books. By promoting reading for pleasure, we empower learners to unlock a lifelong love of literature and self-expression. ESB’s oracy qualifications provide structured opportunities for learners to read aloud and discuss books of their choice.
Below you can find 3 videos of learners undertaking our qualifications across primary, secondary and post 16, reading from their favourite book.
Penelope-Rae (Primary level)
Freddie (Secondary level)
Siyon (16+)
ESB Staff join the celebration
To further celebrate World Book Day, ESB’s staff are also embracing this initiative. Staff members were invited to record a short video recommending a book and reading an excerpt, reinforcing the message that reading is a lifelong joy, no matter how old you are!
Contact business@esbuk.org today and we would be delighted to discuss how our qualifications can support learners in developing their love of reading!
Research indicates that 80% of learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) experience anxiety and face significant challenges with social interactions and future independence. Without strong communication skills, these individuals risk isolation and limited opportunities in both education and employment. (Report by the Children’s Commissioner for England)
At ESB, we support all learners to develop their Oracy skills and over the next five weeks we’re going to showcase how we support learners with significant learning needs to do just this.
English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) is proud to announce the launch of its new campaign, “Oracy for All,” designed to empower learners with significant learning needs to achieve with its ambitious and inclusive Oracy qualifications.
This exciting five-week campaign will feature a series of engaging videos that highlight the critical role of oracy – the ability to express oneself and communicate effectively – in fostering confidence, independence, and life skills for learners with significant learning needs.
Each week will focus on specific themes, including the power of Oracy, Oracy for independent living and social interaction and Oracy for education and employment.
This initiative aligns with the recent Oracy Education Commission’s report, “We Need to Talk,” which highlights the importance of inclusion in oracy education. You can read more about our response to the report here.
ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw says:
At ESB, we believe that developing effective oracy skills is a fundamental right for everyone. For over 70 years, our mission has been to unlock the potential of children and young people through their speaking and listening skills. Our oracy qualifications are for everybody – they’re ambitious and inclusive, but we know some of our learners with significant learning needs in specialist provision require additional support. These remarkable individuals deserve equal opportunities to access life-changing oracy skills.
That’s why we’ve developed qualifications specifically for this group of learners, enabling them to thrive and flourish with real-world confidence-building, communication-rich opportunities and experiences which result in an ESB Ofqual Regulated qualification. Over the coming weeks, insights from learners, schools, colleges, assessors and experts will be shared to showcase the transformative impact of ESB’s Oracy qualifications.
Join Us in Promoting Oracy for All
Educators, parents, and SEND specialists are encouraged to join ESB on this journey to ensure Oracy for All. Whether you’re a specialist school interested in registering for ESB qualifications or a parent looking to support your child’s communication development, this campaign will offer valuable insights, resources and practical solutions.
For more information about ESB’s qualifications and to register your interest, please click here.
If you are unable to attend the webinar and would like further information, please contact our Business Strategy Team via business@esbuk.org. We would be delighted to hear from you.
The Oracy Education Commission represents a pivotal moment for the oracy movement. Chaired by Geoff Barton, the Commission aims to provide a framework for national entitlement to oracy education at all stages of the curriculum in England.
— Oracy Education Commission (@oracycommission) March 15, 2024
Commission Chair
@RealGeoffBarton
tells us why the Commission matters for students
The Awarding Organisation of the Year, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd., has long been a leader in the national conversation for mainstream oracy adoption. As both a member of The Oracy Network, and contributor to the Oracy All-Party Parliamentary Group’s inquiry ‘Speak for Change’, ESB International has been at the forefront of the oracy movement since 1953 and will continue to be for many years to come.
Through its National Impact Report, we recognise beyond any doubt the importance of assessing acquired oracy skills in young people. Teachers spoke to us of the huge impact our qualifications have at both Primary and Secondary level, with notable factors including drastically improved confidence, the ability to work well in a group and collaborating strongly with others as well the ‘real-life’ transferable skills that learners could take home, to the next step phase of their education and eventually to the workplace.
With the Commission’s final report due in September 2024, ESB International looks forward to providing the Commission with its full input as we look to collectively shape the future of oracy education in England.
It’s National Poetry Day and what better way to celebrate than looking back at some of our wonderful learners’ renditions.
Poetry is one key component in many of our Graded Examinations in Speech assessments for learners in Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 5. Encouraging learners to enjoy this use of creative language helps to develop the skills to recite creative language from memory.
The fee of these assessments range from £30.00 at Entry Level to the maximum price of £54.00 per learner at Advanced Level. Please note that financial support may be available for some centres. If you would like to find our more about the financial support that ESB could offer your centre, please visit our Funding page or email us today.
Says Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw:
Here at ESB, we strongly believe that poetry is a great way to improve a learner’s overall confidence and communication skills. The memory and presentation skills involved gives them essential life skills, enabling them to thrive in education, training and employment.
For further information about our Speech assessments, please click here. Alternatively, if you still have unanswered questions or you would like to become an ESB centre, please contact our Business Development Team. We’d love to hear from you.
Preparing today’s learner for tomorrow’s world is something ESB is passionate about. Help your learners to reach their potential by taking our assessments today!
