English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Category: Social Mobility

  • Government minister visits Foxes Academy

    Penny Mordaunt visits Foxes Academy

    Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Disabled People, Work and Health recently visited Foxes Academy in Minehead for an event at the Academy’s very own Foxes Hotel.

    After a dinner prepared by the learners, seven of them gave a presentation on their passion for working, and put forward their ideas on how to decrease the learning disability employment gap.

    Said Penny:

    Foxes Academy is a real asset to the Taunton area, helping empower local disabled people in the workplace. As a leader in our Disability Confident scheme, they are also showing employers across the country how they can make the most of the huge pool of untapped talent that disabled people offer.

    The unique Foxes Hotel, which provides educational and vocational training for young people with disabilities, equips learners with the practical skills needed for future employment. As part of their Functional Skills programme, learners at Foxes Academy achieve nationally recognised qualifications with ESB.

    ESB examiner, Jane Cross, who attended the event, said:

    Foxes Academy is an amazing place and ESB qualifications are certainly an integral and very important part of their Functional Skills programme. They provide learners with essential communication skills to use in a work environment.

  • An ESB qualification shows employers that you can communicate, says CBI’s North West Director

    ESB improves employability skills

    Damian Waters, Director of CBI in the North West said that his ESB qualification “most definitely” gave him employability skills. He said:

    My ESB examination was my first experience of public speaking, but I think one of my key strengths now is public engagement and presentations.

    Damian says that ESB played a key role in his personal and professional development:

    ESB started me off on the right track and gave me that initial confidence to find my voice.

    He added:

    An ESB qualification is great to have and be able to show employers that you can engage with colleagues, clients and customers.

    He recalled his experience of taking his ESB exam over 30 years ago:

    I remember that I had to make a speech to a panel of assessors and other pupils from my school and recite a poem that was committed to memory. I can still remember the poem today!

    I can clearly remember the feedback I received from the assessors; they spoke about the importance of being myself, engaging with the audience and presenting in a professional manner. I make dozens of speeches each year and I still try to stick to those words of advice.

    Damian passed on some words of guidance to youngsters preparing for presentations:

    Prepare properly, but don’t learn a script as it can come across as a bit fake. Always remember that the audience wants to enjoy the experience – they are willing you on!

  • ESB gave Julie Hesmondhalgh a “taste for performing”

    Julie Hesmondhalgh

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. was delighted to see actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, better known as Hayley Cropper from Coronation Street, talking about ESB in the UK’s national media.

     

     

    She said,

    When I was at primary school, I was put into the ESB exams, which were all about enunciating with confidence and clarity. I had to prepare a short speech on someone I admired, so I chose Michael Caine; I was eight. I passed with distinction and got a real taste for performing.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2908674/Hayley-Actress-Julie-Hesmondhalgh-life-Corrie.html#ixzz3PHLV7n5P%20