Qualifications highlight: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Background

• The Government’s Adult ESOL Strategy for Scotland was launched in March.

What we did in 2007–08

Expanded our ESOL provision to complete the framework. The Access 2 Literacies Units are now available. They support learners who have no literacy, or minimal literacy, in English.

Supported and promoted the new NQ framework through: a series of presentations to specialists and centres; an e-learning CD; publishing Guidelines on Assessment of Speaking and Writing; running training events on Assessment of Speaking and Writing. We attended conferences and took exhibition stands at events including the New Scots Conference in June, and Business Scotland Conference in October.

Developed progression opportunities for ESOL candidates. Higher ESOL is now accepted by every university in Scotland, and Oxford University, as general entry qualification. We began discussions with General Teaching Council for Scotland on recognition for entry to teacher training.

Increased the take-up of our ESOL qualifications. We brought new centres on board. We also developed and launched ESOL for Work for the wider UK market.

Introduced the new Professional Development Award (PDA) Introduction to Tutoring ESOL (SCQF level 6). This is a first-stage qualification, and provides core skills and knowledge for those who have no formal training in tutoring ESOL.

What happens next?

• We intend to further improve the quality of assessment support and exemplifications to centres
• We intend to further develop our ‘ESOL for Work’ provision
• We intend to create tailored learning materials for the new PDA Introduction to Tutoring ESOL.
• We plan to have the new PDA validated and launched before the summer.