ESB News - Autumn-Winter 2021 v7

ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw and ESB’s Communications Team visited the school during the preparation of the learners’ assessments to gain a clearer insight into their ESB experience. Watch the video below capturing highlights from our visit:

Class teacher and Oracy lead, Andrea Beed expressed her thoughts on teaching ESB and the subsequent positive impact it has had on her pupils. “As a teacher, it’s my goal to help all learners reach their potential and effective communication skills are important in every aspect of life. ESB has given my pupils that focus and something to work towards.” Adds Nicola Rutter, Head Teacher of Heygreen Primary School, “Last year, we launched our partnership with ESB with a small group of learners from Y6. This was through the running of a small lunchtime group that we called 'Star Speakers'. This group was run by our oracy lead, Andrea Beed. As a result of this group's participation in the Speech assessment, we identified that the impact on their speaking skills, self-esteem and independent learning was significant and, as a result, we are now furthering our partnership with ESB with our Y4 and Y5 classes. Y4 will take part in the Group Speaking assessment and Y5 will be assessed, individually, in the Speech assessment. The children and staff are extremely excited to incorporate the ESB assessments into our KS2 Spoken Language curriculum. We really believe in the value of this partnership, as it is supporting our pupils in developing a range of skills; helping to prepare them for the next stage of their education. “

Says Tina, “I am delighted to join forces with the Trust, enabling more disadvantaged learners to get their voices heard. Here at ESB, the learner is not a performer of studied pieces, but a person taking their place in society as a worker, a citizen. We do not only assess what the young person knows or says, but what they have become. We are passionate about closing the disadvantage gap.”

Look at what some of the learners at Heygreen had to say about their ESB experience!

‘’ I used to be very shy, but when I started ESB it helped me get up in front of people and talk about things that I ’ ve never been able to talk about ”.

“ The more you speak, the more confident you feel ”.

“ We have enjoyed ESB a lot because it has helped boost our confidence! ”

The Rainbow MAT is one of our groups that is using ESB to further its cause, but ESB would like to help many more. If you are interested in finding out whether your centre is eligible for funding and wish to know the options available to you, please email business@esbuk.org. If you believe your learners or young people would benefit from ESB assessments, we would love to hear from you! For further details about our 70/70 Campaign, please click here.

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