The Foundation’s Director, Diana Sutton, spoke to Dr Philida Schellekens to explore how ESOL could better meet the needs of learners.
New data shows that the number of learners of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) has increased by 17% since 2021/22, with demand expected to continue to rise.
But is the 20-year-old ESOL curriculum still fit for purpose? Diana Sutton, Director of The Bell Foundation, spoke to Dr Philida Schellekens to explore this question.
Hello Philida – delighted to be interviewing you. So, the Government's announced a review of the ESOL curriculum. In an ideal world, what do you hope to see come from this?
In the first place, I think it's very good news that this review's taking place and that the Department for Education are taking an active interest.
We should recognise that the 20-year-old ESOL curriculum is just that – it's really ripe for review and updating.
