English Speaking Board (International) Ltd., an Awarding Organisation with over 70 years of expertise in offering oracy and English language qualifications, endorses the new Labour government\u2019s pledge to prioritise oracy as a crucial part of a child\u2019s education and to ensure that all young people have access to the opportunities they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Labour Party’s manifesto, Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to embed Speaking into the education system as an essential skill, acknowledging the importance of supporting every child in finding their voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The manifesto states: \u2018Developing early communication skills is a key foundation for life, with serious knock-on consequences when development is delayed. Labour will fund evidence-based early-language interventions in primary schools, so that every child can find their voice.<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n In her first speech to the Department of Education, the new Secretary State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has said: \u2018Together, we\u2019ll deliver change: the best start in life for every child, high & rising standards and a country where background is no barrier.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n ESB\u2019s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s fantastic to see that teaching of speaking and listening skills \u2013 oracy – is being recognised as a priority in education. ESB has been successfully providing oracy qualifications to learners for 70 years with a unique, child-centred, group-based approach to speaking and listening and is confident of its impact on promoting oracy in schools.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n ESB\u2019s published research from its most disadvantaged primary and secondary schools in its National Impact Report 2021\/22 highlights the huge impact that ESB qualifications have on the Oracy skills of its learners, particularly in areas such as articulation, focus, ability to collaborate and engage with peers, and group work skills.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clarity of communication and an ability to express thoughts simply, sincerely and persuasively, are qualities needed by everyone in this specialised, competitive world. For whatever the industrial, professional or social responsibilities, every individual will have to inform, instruct, listen, explain, question, interpret, disagree and advise<\/em>.
Findings from our National Impact Report demonstrate that external oracy assessment taken in peer groups can play a valuable part in developing young people\u2019s speaking and listening skills by creating communication-rich situations, which reflect best practice classroom group learning; signpost post-16 and higher education group projects and seminars, and model an interactive, discursive workplace.\u00a0<\/em>
With our oracy qualifications being accessible to many of our learners who may describe themselves as neurodivergent, we\u2019re excited to see the impact of the promise made by the government to improve inclusivity for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We all want to be seen, be heard and understood, for our strengths to be appreciated, and for barriers to learning to be removed. We are also looking forward to seeing how the government’s focus on transforming FE Colleges to support young people with better job opportunities will benefit our learners in these settings.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWhat is the impact of an ESB externally assessed oracy qualification?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Impact at Primary Level<\/strong>
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ESB qualifications have had a huge impact on the speaking and listening skills of their learners in the wake of the pandemic, with a\u00a09\/10\u00a0impact score.<\/li>Impact at Secondary Level<\/strong>
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