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.
