We are writing to you to update you about the Extraordinary Regulatory Framework that is in place for assessments that would have taken place between 20th March and 31st July 2020. We are still waiting for Ofqual’s final guidance, but we wanted to update you about what we know so far, taking into account your expressions of interest and communications with us in the last few weeks.

What qualifications are going to be awarded on the basis of calculated grades?

ESB International (Ltd) is going to use calculated centre assessments for ESOL Skills for Life and for qualifications for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

What assessments are going to be adapted?

We propose to use adapted assessments for the following Speech qualifications:

• ESB Level 1 Award in Speech (Grades 1, 2, 3)
• ESB Level 2 Certificate in Speech (Grades 4, 5)
• ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 6, 8)
• ESB Level 3 Award in Travel and Tourism Oral Communication Skills for Overseas Resort Representatives
• ESB Level 4 Award in Professional Presentation Skills
• ESB Level 1, 2, 3 Awards in Using Oral Skills for Interviews
• ESB Entry Level Award in Graded Examinations in Speech (Entry 1, 2, 3) (EAL-A1, A2, B1)
• ESB Level 1, 2, 3 Awards in Debating
• ESB Level 1 Award in Group Speaking
• ESB Level 1 Award in Oral Skills for School Interviews

Our aim is to support our centres so that as many learners as possible can take their assessments this term given the current situation. We will be contacting all of our centres after half term by phone to see how we can support you and your learners.

What is adaptation going to look like?

As a centre you need to consider which form of adaptation would allow your students to complete their assessment.
We are considering three possible forms of adaptation:
1) Asynchronous assessment where you film your learners performing their assessments, with a teacher acting as interlocutor and facilitating the interactive phase of the assessment, and you submit the videos to us for assessment. This would be for a situation when you and the learners can be at school together, but an external assessor is not permitted to come in. ESB would provide scripts and guidance for teachers acting as interlocutors.
2) Synchronous assessment set up by the centre using video conferencing software, with all the participants and the assessor working remotely.
3) Asynchronous assessment for more independent learners who are still based at home. This would include a calculated component for the interactive stages of the assessment when the learners are expected to demonstrate their listening skills. ESB would provide guidance for centres for filming and separate guidance for teachers to submit their calculated grade for the learners’ interactive skills

The assessor will complete a report form as usual and results and certification will have the same value as the qualification taken under the usual Regulatory Framework.

What guidance will there be?

We will be providing guidance on:

• how to facilitate and conduct your assessments
• accommodating learners with special educational needs and disabilities
• technical requirements such as filming, uploading video
• guidance where teachers will need to submit calculated grades for learners interactive skills
• additional documentation that you need to collect – consent forms, etc.

What can centres do at the moment?

You and your learners can start choosing your prepared texts, and preparing for the assessment. You can think about the dates for your assessment and which learners you will be registering, and you can book and register them in the usual way on our system. We do not anticipate the adapted assessments beginning
before the middle of June.

Our aim is to support our centres so that as many learners as possible can take their assessments this term given the current situation. We will be contacting all of our centres after half term by phone to see how we can support you and your learners.

What if I have a question?
Please send your questions to product@esbuk.org