ESOS Review
Thank you to our members who have provided feedback and valued feedback in all areas of the ESOS Review. English Australia has finalised our submission, which is available for members to review.
The in-depth discussions held at each of the English Australia State/ Territory Branch meetings coupled with the 104 submissions received via our surveys and response template, provided a wealth of information to inform our response.
Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with English Australia
The English Australia Chair Ms. Kerry Sutcliffe and NEAS Chair Prof. Tanya Bucanan were joined by the CEO's of the two organisations to formalise the renewal of our MOU this month. The MOU is designed to facilitate collaborative activities that are mutually beneficial for both organisations. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities to benefit our members and the sector under this renewed agreement.
Market performance – visa processing
Grants and lodgements in April show a continued upward trend, with Independent ELICOS-only visa lodgements eight times higher than in February 2021, and sector grants being over six times higher for the same period.
We also received feedback from some members of concerns over the number of visa applications being rejected and delayed. Based on this, we investigated further with the Department of Home Affairs and have determined that overall, 85% of visas lodged in 2021 to 2022 from source countries of Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, South Korea, Mongolia, Thailand, and Turkey were granted. This is actually the same percentage of visas granted from 2017 to 2018 and only 2% less than the total number of visas granted in more recent pre-pandemic times of 2018 to 2019. I have followed up with DHA on a number of cases and noted concerns about some visa processing delays and rejections in March.
We will closely review the March data and ensure that we act on any emerging trends.
Guide to Good Practice in Online ELICOS Delivery – coming soon
We are close to releasing our new Guide to Good Practice in Online ELICOS Delivery, which offers practical advice on how to provide sufficient technical training and support for the relevant tools that improve online learning capabilities and efficiencies.
Journal – just released
The new edition of the Journal (issue 38.01) is now available for members. Thank you to our Executive Editor Dr Michael Burri, Copy Editor Kaylee Downing, Classroom Talk & 10 Questions Editor Sandra Pitronaci, Reviews Editor John Smith, and Designer Derek Trow for their dedication to publishing this edition.
Register now: English Language Barometer 2022 (free of charge)
As noted in the newsletter, English Australia is proud to be managing this next edition of the international student survey ELICOS 2022 known as the English language Barometer, on behalf of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE). In a major win for members, we successfully advocated for participation in the survey to be free of charge for the first time.
The survey will be running from May–August 2022. Please register now so that you can take advantage of this great offer.
English Australia 2022 Conference – submit your paper
Plans for the National English Australia Conference are well underway, with the call for papers being announced last week. We are asking English Australia members to submit their abstract by the 9th of June to present at the Conference.
Nominate for the 2022 English Australia Awards
We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for our 20th Annual Awards. We would like to thank our award partners and sponsors ETS Global, Pearson, IELTS, Cambridge Assessment English, Christine Bundesen, and Anne Burns for their continued support.
Innovation Fund 2021 and Innovation Development Fund 2021-22
The Innovation Fund 2021 final report and acquittal module was sent out following the Easter break, and we will submit our final report to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in line with the program end date of 30 June.
All contracts have now been executed and fund allocations paid out for the Innovation Development Fund 2021-22. In line with contract dates, Report 1 (April) has been sent to participating providers with a due date of Friday 6 May for submission.
Welcome Simon Futo
I would like to finish by congratulating Simon Futo, General Manager for the University of Adelaide’s English Language Centre, who has recently been confirmed as the State/Territory Delegate for South Australia. Simon has over 20 years of experience in the English Language sector and holds a Bachelor of Honours in English Language and Linguistics. We welcome Simon onto the board and look forward to working with him more closely over the coming years.
Simon will join the full English Australia Board at their May Board meeting.
I would like to again say that I am always available should you wish to raise any issues with me. I will be happy to provide whatever assistance I can.