This issue of news contains information on the following:

• Information on additional support materials (qualification guide and sample papers)
• Interim information about QCA accreditation of International ESOL (8984) and International Spoken ESOL (8985)

This is the first notification relating to the International English Qualifications

Information on additional support materials (qualification guide and sample papers)

We have undertaken a complete review of all support materials relating to the above awards and a programme of update and improvement is now in place. 
The work done so far:

• English for Office Skills (8960) – The Qualification Guide has been revised to provide centres and candidates with exam tips as well as more detailed information on the syllabus. The new edition of this handbook is available on the web.  A new booklet of additional sample papers has also been posted on the web site. This provides centres with an extra 3 sets of sample papers for each level of the qualification.
• English for Business Communications (8959) - Similar changes are currently being finalised for this qualification, and the new materials are due to be released at the beginning of February 07.
• International ESOL & Spoken ESOL (8984 & 8985) - For these awards a CD containing two sets of additional sample papers at each level is currently being finalised. It should be available to centres in February 07.
• Spoken English Tests for Business (8981) – The Qualification Guide has been updated with more clarification on the role of the Interlocutor in the assessment of the candidate. The new guide is available on the web.
  Further details on support material updates will be here posted on a monthly basis.

Interim information about QCA accreditation of International ESOL (8984) and International Spoken ESOL (8985)

We are currently negotiating the submission of the International ESOL and Spoken ESOL qualifications to QCA for accreditation.
We foresee this process will be completed during the next few months. Further details will be posted here.