ESB News - Autumn-Winter 2021 v7

As part of our 70/70 Campaign to help disadvantaged learners, we have refreshed our portfolio of Speech qualifications for learners with significant special educational needs and disabilities!

Building Confidence in Communication Entry level qualifications

Anthea Wilson, Product Development Manager, explains the improvements: This group of 14 entry-level qualifications is designed to promote confidence, oracy and communication skills in learners who have significant special educational needs and disabilities. In addition, these qualifications can help remove barriers to learning by enabling access to a wide range of curricula, building relationships and a sense of belonging, and developing self-esteem and a positive self-identity. ESB has been offering these qualifications since 2011, so we decided to review them, bring them up-to-date and provide a package of support for tutors and learners. Many things have not changed. The content of the qualifications and the level of demand is the same, as well as the emphasis on communication and real-life skills. Learners will still receive personalised report forms with their result, and do their assessments in groups with their peers to encourage active listening skills and personalisation. What is new is a package of teacher support materials which suggest ways of isolating and practising effective speaking and listening skills. Please click here to access these resources: Building Confidence in Communication Teacher Resources - English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. The resources include lesson plans, games and activities, videos, audios and PowerPoint presentations to use with learners in a range of settings. Registered centres will be able to access these on our website. We have also revised and reissued the Specifications, with more detail on content and assessment. The qualifications are grouped into three categories: Communication for Interviews and the Workplace, Communication via the Arts, and Communication for Independent Living and Social Interaction.    (esbuk.org). There are three groups of activities: everyday interaction, giving a presentation, and fine-tuning the message. They can be adapted and differentiated for students working at different levels, and there are also some tips on inclusive practice in the classroom.

We believe that developing oral communication strategies is one of the keys to living an independent life and that all learners should have access to courses that prepare them for independence in the real world, and we are proud to share this exciting product with our customers - innovative qualifications that are enjoyable and motivating to work towards, and a teacher support package that supports learning and teaching in today’s learning environment. When can I book these qualifications? You are able to book these qualifications as normal! If you would like some help with the booking process, please contact a member of our Customer Experience team at customer@esbuk.org. How much will these qualifications cost? All of our Building Confidence in Communication Entry level qualifications are priced at £44.00 per learner. Please note, financial support may be available for some centres. If you would like to find out about the financial support that ESB could offer your centre, Are you interested in completing our refreshed portfolio of Speech qualifications for learners with special educational needs and disabilities? There is no time like the present, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! If you would like to find out more information about these qualifications, please email product@esbuk.org. Alternatively, if you have not yet registered as an ESB Centre but would like to come on board, please contact a member of our Business Development Team at business@esbuk.org. Our purpose is to support all learners to possess the oracy skills they need in order to achieve their aspirations. This goal can only be achieved by closing the disadvantage gap! please contact a member of our Business Development Team at business@esbuk.org.

These specifications will be available to download on our website from Friday 22 nd October.

Juliet Meighan and Tina Renshaw

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