{"id":17885,"date":"2024-10-08T14:41:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:41:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/?p=17885"},"modified":"2024-10-08T14:41:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:41:59","slug":"esbs-response-following-the-oracy-education-commissions-report-we-need-to-talk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/esbs-response-following-the-oracy-education-commissions-report-we-need-to-talk\/","title":{"rendered":"ESB&#8217;s Full Response following the Oracy Education Commission\u2019s Report: &#8220;We need to talk&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Following our <a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/english-speaking-board-international-welcomes-the-oracy-education-commissions-final-report-we-need-to-talk\/\">endorsement of the Oracy Education Commission\u2019s Final Report<\/a>, &#8220;We need to talk&#8221;, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) is pleased to share further details about our initiatives and how we plan to support the aims of the national oracy entitlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;<em>We support<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>the greater emphasis placed on the importance of spoken language;<\/em><\/li><li><em>the vital need to prepare our young people for their futures in employment, training and education and the role of Oracy in that;<\/em><\/li><li><em>the recognition that valuing voices and listening to children and young people is central to the nurturing role that teachers and learning plays in children\u2019s and young people\u2019s lives<\/em><\/li><li><em>and <em>that&nbsp;Oracy education needs&nbsp;to be inclusive, accessible to all and for all and it also needs to be reflective of the lived experiences of our communities and of authentic voices.&#8221;<\/em><\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br><strong>3.5.1 Inclusion<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For over 70 years, ESB has advocated for the importance of oracy in education, aligning with the report&#8217;s emphasis on establishing oracy as a fundamental skill alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic. `<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The organisation believes that every child and young person deserves the chance to develop their communication skills, which are so crucial for success both inside and outside the classroom. By offering inclusive, learner-centred qualifications that focus on speaking and listening skills, ESB ensures that oracy is accessible to all learners, regardless of their background or ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>3.5.4 What needs to change: Recognise and value different forms of communication<\/em><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognising and valuing different forms of communication is fundamental to ESB\u2019s approach. ESB\u2019s ambitious oracy qualifications follow universal design principles, ensuring that all learners can access assessments through reasonable adjustments. The report emphasises the need to support diverse communication styles, particularly for students with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), which aligns with ESB&#8217;s commitment to inclusivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, ESB is proud that its oracy qualification portfolio includes specialist qualifications specifically designed for learners with significant learning needs who do not have a qualification at Level 1 or above. These qualifications help overcome barriers to learning and boost self-esteem, reflecting the report\u2019s findings on the importance of equitable access to education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adds Tina, \u201cWe believe that assessment should be a fair test of learners\u2019 skills and knowledge. For some learners the usual format of our assessment may not be suitable or accessible, and we recognise that to enable access to our qualifications, additional learning needs are seen in the context of each learner and how they can best achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of ESB&#8217;s Ambassadors, Hrishi Venkatesh, shared his journey with Aspergers and how ESB assessments helped him become a confident communicator, which he discusses in this video:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hrishi&#039;s ESB Journey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5SJobkNgpn4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>As ESB moves forward, it is looking to make its qualifications even more inclusive by reviewing the language used in its assessment criteria and descriptors to make sure learners who are neurodiverse are not disadvantaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.3 The opportunities of oracy education beyond the classroom<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.3.1 Employability and skills<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><em>\u2018Workplace experiences, including opportunities for students to practise interview skills and engage in authentic workplace communication, can play a key role in helping young people develop their speaking skills. These experiences also help students to feel more confident about entering the world of work\u2019. (Pg. 34)<\/em><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><em>\u2018Lack of confidence in speaking skills has a real impact on young people\u2019s career prospects. By Year 11 just 59% feel confident talking about their skills in an interview. Only 60% are aware how a speaker might exert influence through the way they speak.\u2019 The Careers And Enterprise Company, Evidence To The Commission (pg. 34).<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB assessments simulate real-world speaking and listening scenarios where every learner&#8217;s voice is valued, building confidence and agency. Set in small groups, they foster teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration, preparing learners for real-world challenges in a supportive environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Impact of ESB<\/strong> <strong>Employability Focused Assessments<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Each year, ESB works with over 200 schools in the UK and internationally, assessing more than 12,000 learners. ESB&#8217;s impact is evident in the results of its <a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/app\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ESB-INFO-C70-Oracy-Assessment-Impact-Report-2021-22-v1.pdf\">2021-2022 National Impact Report<\/a>, which revealed impressive progress in learners\u2019 communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"17910\" src=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Formal-debates-and-structured-discussions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17910\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"17908\" src=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Speaking-confidently-audibly-and-fluently.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17908\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"17909\" src=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/app\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Speaking-1-2-1-with-an-adult.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17909\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Progress made by learners shows that the completion of ESB oracy qualifications has given learners skills and knowledge which are vital to their character and employability, the three pillars of work-readiness as described by The Confederation of British Industry (CBI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.3.2 Wellbeing and belonging<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>\u2018Intentionally valuing students\u2019 voices and nurturing a culture of agency, attentiveness and collaboration supports children to flourish creatively, civically and in their social and emotional well-being and belonging. This improves their educational experience and their chances of thriving as friends, citizens and workers when they leave school. \u2018(p.37)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB\u2019s assessment methodology provides a real opportunity for learners to exert individual agency. ESB found through its research into impact (<a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/app\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ESB-INFO-C70-Oracy-Assessment-Impact-Report-2021-22-v1.pdf\">ESB\u2019s National Impact Report 21-22<\/a>) that learners developed their intra and interpersonal agency through the process of preparing for ESB qualifications. <strong>Particularly<\/strong>, <strong>learners value the opportunity to make their own choices about what they want to talk about.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.294), 17px);\"><p><em>The impact that ESB has had as an enrichment on our sixth form has been vast. ESB allows students to bring their personal experiences and community connections into the classroom, fostering meaningful discussions beyond the standard curriculum. It allows us to speak to the communities that learners live in \u2013 enabling them to talk about the things that are important to them and not just things that they&#8217;re going to be examined in at the end of the year.<\/em><\/p><cite>Raj Khera, Teacher at ESB Centre, Holly Lodge School<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Adds Tina: <\/em>Through<em> our ambitious and inclusive oracy assessments, we give learners communication-rich opportunities and a platform on which their voice and their passions are not only heard, but valued, delivering confidence and agency and a sense of self.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Future ESB Initiatives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhancing the role of spoken language in the curriculum<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>While the National Curriculum does address spoken language, its role has been \u2018downgraded\u2019 in favour of a greater focus on \u2018Reading\u2019 and \u2018Writing.\u2019 The curriculum\u2019s approach to spoken language heavily emphasises traditional models, such as presentational talk, poetry recitation, and \u2018standard English\u2019.&nbsp; Moreover, its strong focus on \u2018standard English\u2019 risks devaluing other \u2018non-standard\u2019 dialects of English.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Standard English has long been a feature of ESB qualifications, so as to reflect the national curriculum. ESB is shifting away from using this terminology to ensure that its qualifications reward authentic, realistic communication. It aims to offer qualifications that allow learners to use different repertoires&nbsp;of English, selecting the right register and tone for each task and context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>New Patron Appointments<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB is thrilled to announce that author <a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/patron-meena-kumari-wood\/\">Meena Kumari Wood <\/a>has become a Patron of the organisation. A passionate advocate for educational success, Meena brings a wealth of experience as a consultant, trainer, and former HMI (Ofsted). Her book, <em>\u201cSecondary Curriculum Transformed: Enabling All to Achieve,\u201d<\/em> underscores ESB\u2019s impactful work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meena states, \u201cIt is clear that disadvantaged children are the ones most in need of public speaking skills, especially those from homes, where there is not much talk. As we have seen in a world where entrepreneurial skills and communication skills are paramount, all our students must have the confidence and the ability to articulate their opinions; these are attributes that last a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Connecting this thought to what ESB offers, she adds: \u201cThe \u2018Connect, Inform, Perform and Employability\u2019 Pathways in ESB assessments contain specific oracy skills for each context. \u2018Connect\u2019 allows students to develop their literacy and analytical skills, through a biographical talk, a chosen poem or drama piece and includes being able to respond to audience questions. \u2018Inform\u2019 can be focused on a KS3 topic in any subject. Students may give a personal interest talk, review a news piece and give a persuasive speech, within a political, economic, environmental or social context. \u2018Perform\u2019 allows students to unlock their creativity through the performance of a self-composition or performance of an established work. \u2018Employability\u2019 supports those who wish to deepen their understanding of a career and to prepare for the job market\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB also has a second set of pathways tailored specifically for KS4 learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, ESB has appointed <a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/disability-rights-champion-becomes-new-patron-of-english-speaking-board-international\/\">Disability Rights Champion Dr Kush Kanodia as a Patron<\/a> of ESB. Dr Kanodia was drawn to ESB after hearing of its&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/web\/funding\/outreach-campaign\/\">Outreach Campaign,<\/a> which financially supports organisations and groups<ins>,<\/ins> whose learners face disadvantage due to socio economic, migrant or asylum seeker status, or special educational needs and disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tina adds, \u201cWe look forward to Meena Kumari Wood and Dr Kanodia getting involved in ESB\u2019s mission to remove barriers for learners. I am in no doubt of the positive impact that they will bring to our work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oracy for All Campaign Launch<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB is launching its <strong>Oracy for All<\/strong> campaign in the next few weeks, which aims to reach more learners with significant learning needs, encouraging them to take our qualifications to help equip them with the confidence, communication, independence, work, and life skills to help them succeed. This campaign aligns with ESB&#8217;s commitment to fostering inclusivity, ensuring that every learner, regardless of their challenges, has access to high-quality oracy education that empowers them to achieve their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>ESB is proud to support the Oracy Education Commission&#8217;s vision and continue to work towards a future where every learner has access to high-quality oracy education that meets their individual needs and supports their development as confident communicators.<br><br>You can read the full report<a href=\"https:\/\/oracyeducationcommission.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/We-need-to-talk-2024.pdf\"> here<\/a>. <br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Following our endorsement of the Oracy Education Commission\u2019s Final Report, &#8220;We need to talk&#8221;, English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. (ESB) is pleased to share further details about our initiatives and how we plan to support the aims of the national oracy entitlement. &#8220;We support: the greater emphasis placed on the importance of spoken language; the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17885\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/esbuk.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}