English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

Tag: oracy for all

  • ESB Launches My Voice: New Oracy Qualifications for Primary Schools

    ESB Launches My Voice: New Oracy Qualifications for Primary Schools

    ESB Launches My Voice: A New Way to Recognise and Develop Oracy in Primary Schools

    Speaking and listening are at the heart of learning, helping children explore ideas, build relationships and develop confidence. Yet while reading and writing are routinely assessed and celebrated, spoken communication often receives less formal recognition in schools.

    That is why ESB International is proud to launch My Voice, a new suite of primary oracy qualifications designed to give schools a structured, practical and affordable way to recognise learners’ spoken language skills

    What is My Voice?

    My Voice is a suite of three unregulated oracy qualifications for primary-aged learners. The qualifications have been developed to help children communicate with confidence, listen actively, express ideas clearly and collaborate effectively with others.

    The suite consists of:

    ESB Oracy Award
    (Entry 1): My Voice and Me

    Young learner sat at desk raising hand

    Designed primarily for Key Stage 1 learners aged 5-7, this qualification develops foundational speaking, listening, storytelling and communication skills

    ESB Oracy Award
    (Entry 2): My Voice in My Community

    Diverse learners standing in a circle

    Learners develop greater independence through discussion, collaboration and communication linked to their communities

    ESB Oracy Award
    (Entry 3): My Voice in the World

    Cartoon globe with a smiley face

    Learners broaden their communication skills through discussion, debate and exploration of wider global themes

    Why Schools Need Oracy Qualifications

    Research and policy continue to highlight the importance of spoken language in supporting academic achievement, literacy development and personal growth. ESB’s new qualifications help schools:

    • Embed high-quality oracy practice
    • Recognise learners’ achievements in speaking and listening
    • Develop confidence and self-belief
    • Support literacy and comprehension
    • Encourage authentic communication rather than “test talk”

    Flexible Assessment for Busy Schools

    A key feature of My Voice is its practical classroom-based assessment model.

    Teachers assess learners through everyday activities including:

    • Presentations and talks
    • Collaborative discussions
    • Storytelling and reading aloud
    • Group problem-solving
    • Functional speaking and listening tasks

    Assessment is completed internally by trained staff and externally moderated by ESB International, providing confidence in outcomes while minimising disruption to teaching and learning.

    Affordable Oracy Recognition for every Learner

    Designed with flexibility in mind, the My Voice qualifications offer an accessible way for schools and educational providers to recognise and celebrate learners’ spoken communication skills. Whether delivered in a mainstream primary school, special school, alternative provision or community-based setting, the qualifications are designed to fit naturally within everyday teaching and learning. Their internally assessed model helps reduce barriers to participation while giving learners the opportunity to gain formal recognition for their oracy development.

    More Information Coming Soon

    Formal qualification specifications, teaching and learning resources, centre guidance and booking information will be released shortly. Registering your interest will ensure you are among the first to receive launch updates, qualification documentation and details on how to begin delivering the My Voice qualifications within your setting.

  • Week 4 of ESB’s ‘Oracy for All’ Campaign: Oracy for Independent Living and Social Interaction

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) launches Week 4 of its ‘Oracy for All’ campaign, designed to reach out to, and empower more learners with significant learning needs through its ambitious and inclusive oracy qualifications.

    Oracy for Independent Living and Social Interaction

    • ‘Spoken language is crucial for successfully navigating social interactions and different cultural contexts. Strong oracy skills enable children and young people to express their feelings, advocate for their beliefs, and build and maintain healthy relationships.’ The National Literacy Trust quoted in the Oracy Education Commission’s 2024 Report

    Oracy Education Commission Evidence

    ‘59% of children say strong communication skills make them feel happier.’

    PEARSON SCHOOL REPORT, (written evidence to the OEC Commission 2024)

    ‘52% of parents say their children (aged 5-9 years old) are struggling to make friends because they lack self-confidence in speaking to others.’

    ESU POLLING, (written evidence to the OEC Commission 2024)

    At ESB, we provide communication-rich experiences that build confidence in every learner, empowering them to advocate for themselves and navigate daily life with self-assurance and independence.

    This week emphasises how strong communication skills are not only essential in the classroom, but also foundational to self-advocacy, autonomy, and fulfilling interactions in the community. For learners with significant learning needs, these skills are even more vital for everyday tasks and for forming and maintaining meaningful relationships.

    For over 10 years, ESB has provided specialist opportunities for learners with significant additional needs to succeed and this commitment is ongoing. We wholeheartedly believe that developing oral communication strategies is one of the keys to living an independent life. For those learners who experience challenges with communication, the priority is to develop their confidence when interacting with others, enabling them to deal effectively with the practicalities of daily life.

    Tina Renshaw, Chief Executive of English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

    Our Qualifications

    ESB offers qualifications called Communication for Independent Living and Social Interaction, a part of our suite of Building Confidence in Communication oracy qualifications for learners with significant learning needs.

    As part of the qualification, learners will be able to:  

    • Section 1: Acknowledge or Respond to a greeting (Entry 1) / Communicate about living independently (Entry 2) 
    • Section 2: Answer Questions / Tell a group about something of personal interest (Entry 1) / Read a short text out loud (Entry 2) 
    • Section 3: Be part of an audience / Join a group activity (Entry 1) / Make a telephone call to the emergency services (Entry 2) 
    • Section 4: Respond to a farewell / Show support as a listener (Entry 1) / Support the communication of others in the group (Entry 2) 
    See our qualifications

    Adds Tina:

    Our group-based approach to assessment, seamlessly integrated into any curriculum, is designed to support learners to become more independent, enabling them to confidently engage in activities and social exchanges

    Belfast Met College, a long-standing partner of ESB, has witnessed the profound impact these qualifications have on their students with significant learning difficulties and disabilities.

    Belfast Met has had the honour of working with ESB and has witnessed first-hand the transformative impact that ESB qualifications have on individuals’ lives, supporting nearly 2,000 students with learning difficulties and disabilities. As a result, our students can now communicate independently, not just in the college setting, but also in their wider community.

    Belfast Met College

    Our Teacher Resources

    To support educators in fostering oracy skills in the classroom, ESB offers a comprehensive range of teacher resources, specifically designed to help isolate and practice effective speaking and listening skills.

    These resources include three groups of activities:

    • Everyday interaction
    • Giving a presentation
    • Fine-tuning the message
    Access resources

    These activities can be easily adapted for students working at various levels, ensuring that all learners can benefit from them. There are also various tips on inclusive practice in the classroom.

    Make ‘Oracy for All’ a Reality

    ESB’s ‘Oracy for All’ campaign underscores ESB’s mission to make life-changing communication skills accessible to every learner.

    To learn more about ESB’s qualifications, join our webinar on Tuesday the 26th of November at 4.00pm for an in-depth look at how these qualifications can make a real difference to the lives of individuals. 

    Join webinar

    If you are unable to attend the webinar, you can reach out to ESB’s Business Strategy Team at business@esbuk.org for additional resources and information.

  • ESB launches Week 2 of its ‘Oracy for All’ Campaign: Enhancing educational outcomes

    English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is excited to announce the second week of its ongoing campaign, “Oracy for All”. This week, we are focusing on the theme, “Oracy for School and Education”, highlighting the vital role of oracy in enhancing educational experiences and outcomes for all learners, particularly those with significant learning needs.

    Why Oracy Matters?

    A report by the Sutton Trust reveals that students who are articulate and can express themselves effectively, are more likely to pursue higher education and go on to secure professional employment. These verbal communication skills are critical for social mobility, emphasising how oracy can shape future opportunities.

    Over the past three years, ESB has collected and analysed data from Abbey Hill Academy and College, a special school located in Stoke on Trent, offering valuable insights into learner progress following the completion of ESB’s oracy qualifications.

    For learners measured against national curriculum statements for KS3:

    • 70% of learners improved their proficiency in two key areas:
    • Using Standard English confidently in a range of formal and informal contexts.
    • Enhancing their ability to use role, intonation, tone, volume, mood, silence, stillness, and action to add impact.
    • 65% of learners demonstrated improvements in speaking confidently, audibly, and fluently, with an additional 5% showing further significant progress.
    •  60% of learners showed improvement in participating in formal debates and/or discussions, summarising and building on what has been said, with 10% advancing even further.

    Tina Renshaw, ESB’s Chief Executive, says:

    In our commitment to unlocking potential through speaking and listening skills, we recognise that oracy is not just an add-on; it is an essential component of effective education. By developing these skills, we enable learners with significant learning needs to engage fully in their academic lives, enhancing their confidence and communication abilities. ESB’s assessment methodology provides real opportunity for learners to exert individual agency and learners feel more confident after completing their assessment.

    Oracy Teacher Resources designed specifically for learners with significant learning needs

    To support educators in fostering oracy skills in the classroom, ESB offers a comprehensive range of Teacher Resources, specifically designed to help isolate and practice effective speaking and listening skills. These resources include three groups of activities:

    • Everyday interaction
    • Giving a presentation
    • Fine-tuning the message

    These activities can be easily adapted for students working at various levels, ensuring that all learners can benefit from them. They can be adapted and differentiated for students working at different levels, and there are also some tips on inclusive practice in the classroom.

    Real Voices, Real Impact

    We have a long-standing relationship with English Speaking Board, and all of our students have the opportunity to take the assessment each year. At Aurora Foxes, our aim is to prepare all our students to be ‘work ready, life ready’ and English Speaking Board qualifications help us to achieve this.

    Mark Costello, Principal at Aurora Foxes Academy Somerset

    “ESB’s Oracy qualifications are extremely adaptable and inclusive, so every student, regardless of their starting point, obtains an opportunity to flourish. As educators, you can watch them pushing their limits and accomplishing things nobody ever thought possible.”

    ESB Assessor, Sunil Naphray


    Join the Conversation

    Are you an educator, parent, or SEND specialist eager to learn more about how oracy can make a difference in education? Click here to join us for an insightful webinar on Tuesday 26th November at 4:00 pm, where we will explore how ESB’s Oracy qualifications can significantly enhance learning outcomes for all learners.

    For more information about ESB’s qualifications and to register for the webinar, please click here. If you have any questions or enquiries, please feel free to reach out to our Business Strategy Team at business@esbuk.org.

    Together, let’s ensure every learner has the opportunity to develop essential oracy skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.