WELCOME


LITERACY IS SUCH A VITAL TOOL FOR LIFE


FE teachers are central to helping students develop verbal and written English skills, so they can cross the bridge confidently into wider society. By Alison Morris


T


he importance of supporting learners to develop their English skills is undisputed. But the essential nature of this is underlined by this quote by Kofi Annan: “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society.” Passing English qualifications provides a passport to employment and


further study. But fundamentally, supporting learners to develop literacy and written communication is about helping people develop core skills they need to live well and thrive in our society. The challenges around supporting people in post-16 education to develop their English skills are well-documented, whether in basic skills for adults, Functional Skills or GCSE resits. The challenges are complex, and GCSE results aren’t where we might perhaps want them to be. But the skills, enthusiasm and creativity of practitioners across the sector who have taken on this task are substantial and should never be underestimated. The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) delivers a comprehensive support


offer for English practitioners underpinned by the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers. This covers areas including Functional Skills, GCSE resits, use of phonics in post-16 provision, and how to embed English in vocational courses effectively. It includes collaborative projects and networks where people can work together on some of the thornier issues. There are also opportunities for more in-depth research. Development of the offer is based on need and evolves over time. For example, we are in the process of developing a resource to embed maths and English skills in provision for learners with special educational needs and disabilities. It is perhaps helpful to consider the continuing professional development (CPD) available in the context of professional progression as well as development. Together with the benefits of SET (Society for Education and Training) membership, the support offered can help you not only become a more reflective, proficient practitioner, but also to progress through to the next stages of your career. I’m delighted to welcome you to the second English inTuition supplement. As David Russell said in the first supplement last summer, we can’t hope to cover all the nuances and facets of this complex area, or to provide everything people are looking for. But we do hope that this supplement helps to showcase what other professionals are doing across the sector, and to spark ideas and debate to improve practice in this important area.


Alison Morris is executive director of programmes at the Education and Training Foundation. inTUITION EDITORIAL


membership.communications@etfoundation.co.uk The Society for Education and Training, 157-197 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SP. Editor: Alan Thomson alan@createpublishing.uk.com


2 AUTUMN 2019 • InTUITIONENGLISH


PUBLISHING The inTuition English Supplement is produced and published on behalf of The Society for Education and Training by: Create Publishing Ltd, Anchor House, Bath Road, Lymington SO41 9GH Advertising: 020 3092 5001 Printed by: PCP Ltd, Telford


The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Education and Training Foundation or the Society for Education and Training.


CONTENTS


inTUITION ENGLISH


An inTuition supplement exploring developments in English education and training


Helping to untangle dyslexia


FE’s essential role in ensuring students can learn with confidence P8


Autumn 2019 set.et-foundation.co.uk


Improving literacy skills is a vital focus for the ETF P4


Why encouraging people to read can unlock doors P12


Developing English abilities for T Levels P14


Cover illustration: Cameron Law Foreword


The joy of teaching English Introduction


Practitioner research 3 4


Literacy skills are so essential Winning over reluctant learners


6


Research and professionalism Dyslexia and education


Bright ideas Essential reading Support 8


The role of assistive technology Phonics for post-16 learners


10


Sharing English teaching tips Help for ESOL teachers


12


Reading’s role in language skills The ‘Reading Ahead’ scheme


14


General English competencies The ‘Shaping Success’ project


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