The Current Growth of the EAP Market

The current growth in the EAP market is matched only by the massive expansion of courses for young learners. Both in Asia and in the ever expanding EU, parents are becoming increasingly aware of the enormous value of learning English when young. Also, some governments are spearheading this initiative and China has recently resolved to make English classes available in all primary schools for pupils aged eight upwards. The TESL industry has been matching this sea change in two ways. Firstly, by introducing qualifications specifically geared to the skills needed to teach children and teenagers such as the TEYL run by Trinity College (see above), a Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners aimed at primary school teachers. Secondly, new international exams are being introduced which validate and encourage the achievements of young learners, such as the Cambridge (see website above) YLE which are held at three levels for children aged between seven and twelve.