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

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.