ESB News June 2022

News

Summer Edition 2022

(+44) 01695 573439 @ESBUK (+44) 01695 573439 @ESBUK

www.esbuk.org

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Contents

Summer Edition 2022

COVER PHOTO - ESB ’ s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, Chief Assessor, Ben Jackson, Quality Assurance Manager, Anna Domaszek, and Customer Experience Officer, Georgina Anderson, with our partners in Greece

© 2022 English Speaking Board (International) Ltd.

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CEO

ESB ’ s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw welcomes you to our Summer edition of ESB News

I am delighted to welcome you to this Summer edition of ESB News.

In addition, there are many opportunities available to keep up with our Campaign via our website and social media and for your learners to get involved in the run up to ESB ’ s 70th anniversary. We are getting ready to launch our competition, “ Your Milestone ” in the coming weeks so please look out for more information. Regretfully, I am letting you know that we will be increasing our fees from September. This increase is necessary to keep up with operating and staffing costs in these difficult economic times but will help us ensure our commitment to continuing to provide you with an exceptional service. Funding through The Christabel Burniston Fund remains available and we always support centres financially when we can. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading this edition and hope it keeps you up to date with what is happening. We are always open to feedback and would love to hear your opinion on what you would like to see in ESB News so please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

We wanted to get back in touch to tell you about our upcoming plans and showcase the wide variety of exciting initiatives that we have diligently been working on, together with our many achievements. Firstly, with the lifting of COVID - 19 restrictions which has, thankfully, meant a return to “ normal life ”, this edition highlights our success in providing ESB speech centres based outside the UK with the returning option to complete their Speech International assessments face - to - face, as well as online assessments. It also features a recent visit by ESB Head Office staff to Europalso in Greece. Secondly, we will be telling you about our success with ESOL Skills for Life, featuring the Blackfriars Settlement in London, detailing its learners ’ journey in developing and improving their English Language skills. Thirdly, ESB ’ s quest to play its part to close the disadvantage gap continues. Our continued mission, to place social mobility at the centre of our priorities, mirrors that of the Government ’ s vision in terms of its levelling up policy. Through our 70/70 Campaign, we continue to address inequality by providing funding to those who face disadvantage through The Christabel Burniston Fund. Read more about our newly registered centres currently benefitting from this financial support.

Best wishes, Tina

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70/70 Campaign

As we approach ESB ’ s 70 th anniversary in 2023, we are thrilled to reveal that we are currently in the initial stages of planning events and activities to celebrate this special milestone throughout the course of the coming months. The celebratory events will provide a fantastic opportunity for all members of the ESB family – both past and present learners, centres, assessors, and staff - to all get together and recognise their achievements, and to share their memories of their ESB experience. We will be hosting separate events for our Speech, ESOL Skills for Life and ESOL International centres and we would love to invite you all to join the celebrations! Please keep an eye out for more details about these events over the next few months. ESB has already launched its 70/70 Campaign that aims to reach out to more organisations where children, young people and adults face disadvantage (due to socio - economic factors, special educational needs or disability or migration status), and will support them financially to access our speech and language assessments. If you know of any other organisations that would benefit from our assessments, in the same way your learners have, we would love to hear from you. Please email business@esbuk.org.

How your centre and learners can get involved ….

There will be heaps of fun - filled and exciting ways for your learners to get involved in the run up to ESB ’ s 70 th anniversary. To kick off the celebrations, we are delighted to be launching ESB ’ s ‘ Your Milestone ’ competition in the next few weeks. ESB encourages all of its learners to take part in ‘ Your Milestone ’ competition by sending in a video of themselves delivering a spoken piece which they have written, (it could be in the form of a presentation/poem/rap), about an important milestone in their life. This could include a time when they overcame adversity, for example, an academic challenge; a particular achievement that they are proud of - this could even be when they completed their ESB assessment; or when they left their country in search of a better education and life. The competition will be an excellent opportunity for learners to hone in their communication skills in an entertaining and competitive environment. Further details about this competition will be released shortly so please keep an eye out to learn more! If you have any questions about this in the meantime, please email ESB ’ s Communications Officer, Cassie Anderson at cassie.anderson@esbuk.org.

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70/70 Campaign

“ Research consistently finds that children from low - income families start school with lower language levels than their more advantaged peers: of the children who persistently experienced poverty, 75% arrive

“ Addressing social disadvantage through increasing students ’ confidence in speaking, self - presentation and debating, undoubtedly helps them become leaders of their own learning and develop the interpersonal skills they will need for further training and employment. ”

“ While all students benefit from classroom discussion activities, talk also appears to be particularly beneficial for low - attaining students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. ”

at school below average in language development. ”

Evidence to the Oracy APPG inquiry

Wood, M.K. and Haddon, N. (2020)

The Communications Trust (2017)

Research from Sutton Trust in February 2019, for the APPG for Social Mobility, found that from the age of five, the UK's most disadvantaged children can be 19 months behind their more affluent peers in vocabulary development, and this deficit can have life - long consequences. By not developing our children ’ s language and communication skills from the earliest opportunity, we are limiting our workforce and the economy. The report states: “ Children with poor vocabulary age five are more than twice as likely to be unemployed aged 34”.

How many centres have we financially supported through our Christabel Burniston Fund?

The Christabel Burniston Fund, established in honour of our founder, provides financial support to groups and organisations which are seeking to close the disadvantage gap. Our 70/70 campaign, launched to celebrate ESB ’ s 70 th anniversary provides an expansion on the support we already offer through the Fund. Not only do Christabel Burniston - Funded centres receive free training for their school staff and a reduction in assessment fees , but they also receive an annual impact report including de - identified learner data that focuses on the progress made.

16 new centres registered in 2021 - 2022 will

66 Centres have benefitted from the Christabel Burniston Fund over the last 3 academic years.

benefit from financial support through our Christabel Burniston Fund.

We support schools, colleges and third sector organisations.

ESB would like to reach more organisations where children, young people and/or adults face disadvantage and enable them access to its assessments. We encourage you to get in touch and find out whether your centre is eligible for financial support through the Christabel Burniston Fund.

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Back in 2014, ESB joined forces with Stoke - on - Trent ’ s Education Authority to help provide extra oracy education to school children in the city.

To date, 15 schools in Stoke continue to benefit from ESB assessments - as a result of its Christabel Burniston Fund.

One of these centres is Staffordshire ’ s Abbey Hill School and College , a foundation special school which caters for pupils aged 3 to 19 years who have a range of disabilities and special educational needs. The largest groups are those with moderate learning difficulties, and those with autistic spectrum conditions (approximately 50% of pupils). The proportion of students eligible for pupil premium funding is higher than the average - around 47.1%. The centre continues to provide opportunities for all their children to develop their speaking and listening skills across the curriculum. Abbey Hill School and College learners with special educational needs and disabilities have been reaping the benefits of ESB speech assessments since 2018 and have recently completed their Level 1 Award in Using Oral Skills for Interview (part of ESB ’ s Building Confidence in Communication portfolio) qualification. “ The ESB programme has really supported my learners through their supported internship. It has helped them identify their strengths and weaknesses and allowed them to link these to jobs in their chosen career field. All the learners have grown in confidence and have shown they can now prepare and present themselves for an interview or talking within a group environment with structure and clarity. ” Tina adds, “ We are delighted to continue to provide equal opportunities for all and enable learners access to our assessments through The Christabel Burniston Fund. At ESB, we hope that the relationship with our financially supported centres will be a medium to long term one to allow us to show the impact of Oracy skills and its assessment beyond short term factors. We are passionate to help close the disadvantage gap. ” ESB ’ s Building Confidence in Communication qualifications are designed to promote learners ’ confidence, oracy and communication skills. They aim to 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. Find out more about these qualifications here. We spoke to ESB teacher, Marylou Wilkinson about her learners ’ ESB experience:

We are looking forward to more of our CB Fund centres booking their assessments next year:

Alexandra Infants School Alexandra Junior School Alpha Academies Trust Articulacy UK Ltd Blackfriars Academy Coppice Academy

St Gregory's Catholic Academy St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy St Mark's CE Primary School St Mary's Catholic Academy St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School Stoke Minster CofE Primary Academy The Link Secondary School Thistley Hough Academy The Twist Partnership Buile Hill Academy Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form Inspirational Learning Academies Trust Peel Hall Primary School Riverside Meadows Academy St Mary's Catholic Primary School Springbank Academy Villiers Park Education Trust Refugee & Migrant Centre, Wolverhampton St Joseph's Catholic Academy Napier Friends

Eaton Park Academy Ellis Guildford School Etruscan Primary School Greenways Primary School Hamilton Northwood Federation

Holly Lodge High School Holy Family Primary School Kingsland CE Academy Liskeard School and Community College Marylebone Project Newnham Junior School Nottingham University Samworth Academy Oakhill Primary School Academy Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Plymouth Grove Primary School Rainbow Education MAT Schools Regent Independent Specialist College

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ESB ’ s 70/70 initiative is allowing even more centres to provide their learners with communication and language qualifications where this may not have been previously possible.

ESB wishes all its newly registered 70/70 centres and learners the best of luck in their ESB assessments:

Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy St Thomas More Catholic Academy

One centre that has recently registered as one of our 70/70 centres is Suffolk ’ s Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics. Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics is a mixed sponsor - led secondary Academy with approximately 802 pupils located in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The academy serves an area of high deprivation and is made up of learners from a variety of backgrounds with an above national average number of SEND pupils, and 34% of the school are eligible for the pupil premium grant. Learners at Benjamin Britten Academy will complete ESB ’ s Level 1 Award in Speech (Grade 2) Speech to Connect qualification which is designed for individuals in Key Stage 3 to boost their confidence in presentational skills and improve their interpersonal communication.

Says Tina, “ We are delighted to empower learners at Benjamin Britten to succeed through our Speech assessments. I hope that preparations for your forthcoming assessments are going well and the learners are excited about taking their ESB assessments. Now, more than ever, opportunities for learners to feel that their voice is important, to flourish in their ability to communicate with confidence and to express thoughts simply, sincerely and persuasively are qualities needed by everyone in this specialised, competitive world. ”

ESB is excited to transform oracy teaching and learning at all of its centres. Watch this space!

“ Year 8 have enjoyed the preparation for their assessments; the Personal Interest Talk has generated some interesting discussions in lessons! There is now an air of nervous excitement beginning to brew as the assessment week approaches. ”

ESB Organiser, Claire Wright at Benjamin Britten Academy

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ESOL International

ESB team lunch to celebrate a successful exam series

With Greece having recently returned to almost pre - pandemic normalcy, ESB representatives were able to fly out to Athens at the end of May to work with one of its key partners Europalso, the Panhellenic Association of Language School Owners.

Nearly 12,000 learners across Greece took their ESB English Language assessments.

Tina Renshaw, Chief Executive, Ben Jackson, Chief Assessor, Anna Domaszek, Quality Assurance Manager, and Georgina Anderson, Customer Experience Officer inspected assessment venues ensuring that the highest quality assessment experience was achieved. They helped to supervise face - to - face assessments during Europalso ’ s busy Summer examination period.

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Says Tina, “ It was so good to be back and it ’ s always a pleasure to catch up with the Europalso team who work so tirelessly to promote our ESOL International assessments in Greece. What we saw over the weekend has been of the highest standard due to the diligence of the team at Europalso. “ We loved meeting state school teachers and principals at the schools that were venues for our exams. “ Empowering our learners with the opportunity to gain access to further and higher education and enhance their employability is always ESB ’ s main aim. ” Adds Ben, “ Our assessments enable learners to be assessed in five core language skills; listening, speaking, reading, writing and the use of English – we call this All Modes as we assess all of the skills to create an overall outcome. By giving them the ability to develop these communicative skills, they will be well - equipped with essential life skills and confidence needed to communicate worldwide ”. Georgina adds, “ This was my first visit to Europalso and it was wonderful to see first - hand ESB assessments in full flow in Greece. The dedication of the learners and teachers is so evident and it was a pleasure to observe them. It will give new meaning to me when I ’ m back in the office and I am involved in marking and processing their results! ” ESB ’ s successful association with Europalso, in Greece began more than eight years ago. Currently the largest certified organisation of foreign language centres in Greece, Europalso operates our ESOL International qualifications.

Our successful and wide - ranging portfolio of communicative and accessible ESOL International qualifications from A1 to C2 level, mapped to the Common European Framework, enable learners to achieve a qualification at each stage of their learning journey. ESB ’ s B1 to C2 level qualifications are recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and the ESB Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International C2 qualification also comes with the added attraction of gaining up to 36 UCAS points, a valuable incentive for learners wanting to access higher education in the UK. To find out more about our online ESOL International assessments, please contact a member of ESB ’ s Business Development Team at business@esbuk.org or 01695 573439. Alternatively, if you would like more information about the ESOL International qualifications we offer, please click here.

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ESOL Skills for Life

Staff at ESB ’ s Head Office enjoyed meeting with learners on a recent visit to one of its valued ESOL Skills for Life centres in London – the Blackfriars Settlement. Cassie Anderson, ESB ’ s Communications Officer and Liam Morton, ESB ’ s Digital Content and Learning Resources Officer went along to the centre to see at first - hand learners in action! The ESOL learners at the centre were eager to talk about their experiences, highlighting the huge importance that they place on developing their English language skills. They wanted to improve their communication in their daily lives and also boost their progression and employability. Read about what some of our Level 2 learners had to say about ESB assessments:

“ It was a challenge but it helped me improve a lot. I really liked the assessments. I ’ m looking to do many things in the future so I must have good English (writing, reading, and speaking skills). I want to grow my business so ESB will help me to do it online and speak to people in English. ”

“ Before I joined this class I was a little bit scared to talk with people but after joining, I am very confident and can talk with anyone now. I can talk over the phone, which I could not do before. If anything happens in my house, I can call the correct person and talk over the phone. ”

“ I really liked the role play section. I like to talk so it helped to improve my English. ”

“ I liked the speaking exam because it helped give me a chance to speak and exchange ideas. I want to improve my English and learn more to socialise within the English community. I want to improve it to do what I want to do. The assessor wanted to know a lot about me and my country of origin and she taught me about London. ”

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ESB: What do you feel are the benefits of ESB assessments to your learners? I see our students hugely benefitting all the time, They tell us this, right from Entry 1 classes all the way through to Level 2. We can see that they are making great improvements to their English language skills and the people around them notice too. In fact, just this week, someone told me that their manager at work had said just how much they ’ ve improved their language skills since coming to classes. We know that some ESB learners have gone onto university following their ESB assessments. We see students coming back year after year making their way through all of the ESB assessment levels (Entry 1 – Level 2). What really attracted me to ESB was that all the assessments are externally set and marked – therefore, we know that students are passing to a standard. I think that this is great for the students, as they have something meaningful from all their hard work. ESB: What are the main disadvantages your learners face? Unfortunately, learners cannot use a lot of their skills because their language is limited. ESB allows them to progress their English skills and that starts moving them towards something that they really want to do and are passionate about. ESB: Why did you choose ESB assessments?

ESB Entry 3 learner

ESB Teacher, Louisa, adds:

“ It gives them a goal. It gives them something to work towards which is always good. At Level 2, they have a vested interest because some are going on to further study but most of them are going on to work, so the learners see it as very meaningful. ESB is definitely a confidence builder and it is not too difficult to prepare for. ”

ESB ’ s Communications Officer, Cassie Anderson, says:

“ We had a fantastic day and we are so grateful for our warm welcome! All learners and staff had very positive things to say about ESB assessments. It was apparent that learners attach great significance to developing their English language skills – to integrate into the community, workplace, and further study. ”

ESB: What do you think is ESB ’ s USP?

ESB Speaking and Listening assessments give a good balance between things that students can prepare and work towards, and the unknown. It really is a complete test of their whole range of language. Every assessment that I have seen is spot on for the right level - and therefore, is right for our students.

By giving learners the ability to develop these communicative skills, ESB enables them to be well - equipped with essential life skills and confidence needed to communicate worldwide. If you have been inspired to take our ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, we would love to hear from you. To find out more about our ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, please click here.

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Speech

ESB ’ s Product Development Team has been working on developing tools and resources in response to Speech Centre feedback.

Gap Analysis We are designing a tool to enable centres to identify where they already cover the skills required to succeed in our Speech qualifications, (and to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum where they are linked to our Speech qualifications). It will enable a centre to identify where it could create further opportunities to embed them into its curriculum. Says Anthea Wilson, Product Development Manager, “ We are particularly excited about the chance for this tool to be used to explore where our qualifications can fit into subject areas outside of English and Drama. “ Centres will be able to choose the qualification they are interested in pursuing with their learners, and then for each 'Section' of our assessments, we have broken down the skills (drawn from our Learning Outcomes), and indicated where they map to the National Curriculum. “ For each of these, centres should choose the extent to which they already teach this skill, "Securely", "Partially", or "Not at all". These options will then RAG themselves to enable a clear and simple overview. We hope this will be a tool useful to individual teachers, departments, whole - school (e.g. during INSET), but also for our centres in the 3 rd sector who might follow a less traditional teaching route. New Resources We are in the process of developing new packag- es of resources, including ready - to - teach Power- Points with accompanying Learner Workbooks. Eventually, we hope to have these available for all of our speech qualifications. For now, we are aiming to roll out resource packs for ESB Entry Level Awards in Speech (Entry 1, 2 and 3), ESB Level 1 Awards in Speech (Grades 1 and 3), and ESB Level 3 Certificate in Speech (Grade 8) in September 2022.

Resources

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Speech International

As well as online assessments, ESB speech centres based outside the UK, now have the option to complete their assessments face - to - face. ESB ’ s centres and learners are always at the forefront of our decision making. We know that for many, returning to face - to - face assessments was a priority. Learners at one of our valued centres in Singapore, Tanglin Trust, recently took part in face - to - face Level 1 Award in Debating speech assessments. Our suite of Debating qualifications helps learners to build and deliver arguments, manage timing and signpost and link work. Please find out more here.

If you are a centre based outside the UK and wish to book your speech international assessments, please visit our website for more information on how to do so by clicking here.

ESB enables more learners in China to reach their potential, with four centres (including two exclusively licenced ESB centres – SKT Education Group and SEED International) now registered to take ESB assessments.

“ Similar to Dehong and Dulwich College International schools where ‘ students come first ’, our speech qualifications encourage the potential of all by taking a learner - focused approach to assessments. ” Native learners at Dehong School will complete ESB ’ s Entry Level Award Graded Examinations in Speech (EAL) which are designed for learners whose mother tongue is not English and who would benefit from developing their confidence in speaking, reading and listening skills. ESB has recently updated its specifications for these qualifications. Please click here to find out more. Kathryn Watts, ESB teacher at Dehong School adds, “ We are very excited to be working with ESB to offer the English Speaking Assessments to our pupils from next year, with the aim of helping them to improve their confidence and ability to communicate successfully in English. Our school is designed for Chinese students and offers an academic programme comprising of the Chinese compulsory curriculum combined with the EiM (formally Dulwich College International) educational philosophy and pedagogy. At Dehong, we provide a holistic, student first approach to ensure that our students are prepared to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural global citizens. We believe that by offering these speaking assessments, it will help our students practice the communication skills needed to prepare for a successful, purposeful and fulfilling future. ”

Dehong Shanghai Chinese International School is taking positive steps and has registered as an ESB centre.

Embarking on their ESB journey, learners at Dehong School, a sister school to one of

ESB ’ s existing centres, Dulwich College, Shanghai Puxi, will have the opportunity to develop confidence in their ability to communicate, express their thoughts and opinions meaningfully and boost key skills sought after by employers through completing ESB ’ s speech assessments. Says ESB ’ s Chief Assessor, Ben Jackson , “ ESB is delighted to be supporting Dehong School and Dulwich College, Shanghai Puxi, to further reach their vision - to create the best schools in the world - so that its students can make a positive and tangible difference in China and globally. supporting English proficiency in China. By expanding and having ESB ’ s qualifications in one of the most prominent international markets, ESB is providing learners with a unique opportunity to embrace speech and cultural exchange. The range of benefits created from having Chinese learners engage with our qualifications is countless. “ We have a wealth of experience of promoting language in many countries and ESB is proud to be further

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ESOL Skills for Life

ESB is delighted to announce that it is sponsoring the ESOL Skills for Life category as part of the Capital City College Group Excellence Awards event which is to be held later this year on Friday 23 rd September 2022. Launched to celebrate the amazing and unique achievements of the colleges ’ students, the Capital City College Group Excellence Awards highlight the great work going on in their colleges throughout the year, and the community. Says Tina, “ We are proud to be sponsoring this event and very much look forward to the evening. It will be an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate all students ’ achievements, particularly those of ESB ’ s ESOL learners. “ ESOL Skills for Life are qualifications designed for those who live, study or work in the UK and we recognise the incredible obstacles these students have to overcome to become successful. ” Capital City College Group (CCCG) is the largest further education provider in London, and the third largest in the UK, with three colleges – City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London – and a training arm delivering apprenticeships and courses for employers, Capital City College Training . Today, CCCG ’ s colleges train over 25,000 students each year, equipping their students with the academic and vocational skills and knowledge they need to progress into employment or higher education. ESB ’ s mission to transform lives through its assessments, ensuring learners ’ social and economic success, mirrors that of the CCCG ’ s. ESB understands the importance of acquiring English language skills and is here to fully support learners to develop them. By giving

them the ability to develop these communicative skills, they will be well - equipped with essential life skills and confidence needed to communicate worldwide. Just watch them flourish as its impact goes way beyond the classroom!

For more information about our ESOL Skills for Life qualifications, please click here.

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Speech

Senior ESB Assessor, Peter Ellis, who specialises in assessing learners with Special Educational Needs, recently met a neurodiverse ESB learner who really made his day!

“ Every learner that I assess makes a mark on me, but I recently had the pleasure of assessing a young learner who I had been told was not expected to do well. In nine months of college, he hadn ’ t spoken a word to anyone! So, I was absolutely amazed when I was greeted by the learner who spoke clearly and expressively, and confidently looked around the whole group during his assessment. He was taking his Entry Level Award in Preparing for Performing within a Team (Entry 2) and more than met the challenge of a successful assessment. Over the years, I have many memories of meeting learners who have surpassed tutors ’ expectations, but this young learner ’ s achievement was nothing short of spectacular.

When I share these experiences, it makes me feel like I have the best job in the world! It really demonstrated to me the wonderful work carried out by tutors all around the country.

This young man was able to achieve because of the care and encouragement he received from all the staff at his college. Despite his lack of communication, they never gave up. ”

Now that ’ s what I call a good day!

ESB ’ s Building Confidence in Communication qualifications are designed to promote learners ’ confidence, oracy and communication skills. They aim to 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.

Find out more about these qualifications here.

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Team News

Congratulations to ESB ’ s former Vice - President, Merriel Halsall - Williams who takes up her position as Honorary Life President.

“ Merriel was a dear friend of Jocelyn ’ s, and they shared many memories together. We are hopeful that Jocelyn would be happy knowing that such a talented lady as Merriel would be the one to act as stand - in for the role of ESB ’ s Honorary Life President. ” Says Merriel on her appointment: “ I first met Christabel and Jocelyn when I enrolled as a student at Christabel ’ s Northwest School of Speech and Drama in Southport. Both Christabel and Jocelyn were truly inspirational teachers and role models, and I am so honoured to follow in their footsteps as ESB ’ s Honorary Life President. Since ESB ’ s inception, I have witnessed first - hand the positive impact and value that its assessments have on individuals, equipping them with the speaking and listening skills to last them a lifetime ”.

ESB ’ s previous Honorary Life President, Jocelyn Bell sadly passed away in 2020 and we celebrated her life ’ s work and immense contribution to the organisation at her service of remembrance.

Jocelyn ’ s contribution is also remembered through ESB ’ s prestigious Burniston Bell Award, named in honour of our founder, Christabel Burniston and Jocelyn. The award ensures the continuation of their legacy and recognises the exceptional work of ESB teachers who are keeping Christabel and Jocelyn ’ s vision alive today. Says ESB ’ s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, “ I would like to congratulate Merriel on her appointment as Honorary Life President and thank her for her remarkable and on - going contribution to ESB. Merriel ’ s enduring relationship with ESB International began in 1953, when as a 15 - year - old schoolgirl she met ESB ’ s founder Christabel Burniston. From that very moment, Merriel has made it her lifetime mission to champion the power of the spoken word. Her impact on public speaking is simply unique and immeasurable.

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Head Office

Abdul Miah Abdul joins us in our newly developed role as Business Strategy Optimisation Co - ordinator. Reporting to the CEO, he works to optimise ESB ’ s business strategy in relation to retention, growth and charitable outreach in identified markets. He is a keen supporter of Liverpool Football Club and plays 7 - a - side football weekly, taking part in tournaments up and down the country. He also volunteers a lot of his time to charitable activities, one of which is a family organisation that he helps with, the Miah Foundation which supports disadvantaged families in Bangladesh.

Says Abdul: “ Since joining ESB, I could not have wished for a better team, I say team, but it feels more like a family! My role as a Business Strategy Optimisation Co - ordinator (quite a mouthful, I know) is completely new to me and sounded quite scary at first but the welcome and support I have received so far has allowed me to settle in very quickly. I am almost one month into my role and I can feel the passion and enjoyment from the work being carried out here by everyone at ESB. I feel very lucky to be working for an organisation where I can succeed best by helping our learners succeed. ”

Becky Smith

Effectively administering the customer experience process for our clients, from bookings right through to certification, Becky recently joined our Customer Experience Team. She uses her expertise to provide an outstand- ing customer experience for all. Outside of work, Becky enjoys spending as much time with her little boy outdoors. She also enjoys walking, cooking and spending time with her family. Says Becky: “ I was completely out of my comfort zone when I joined ESB, having worked in law for over a decade but I was ready for a change. I enjoy working for a small company as you feel valued and appreciated. I have met some brilliant people and everyone has really welcomed me to ESB. I am learning a whole new sector and doing things I have never done before. ”

ESOL International Markers

ESOL Skills for Life Markers:

New Assessors

Angela Birchall Woo Szugyi

Zara Sheppard Julie Preston Gillian Wynne

Sam Coffey Clare Courtney

Judith Pett Lucas Bak

Ramilla Patel Diane Brown Julie Day Laura Priego Luque Linda Ulrich

Lynne Roberts Mhairi Vincent Monika Swiatek

Freelance Resources Creator - Speech:

Fiona Holmes Paula Denny

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ESB ESOL Learners

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