In December 2020, British Council East Asia commissioned Alan Mackenzie to develop a detailed technical proposal for a programmatic framework shifting the strategy for English for Education Systems (EES) within the East Asia region away from providing teacher training to a delivery innovation, research and insight-led approach, in partnership with the UK ELT sector and regional partners.

The programme focussed on English as a Subject in Formal Education (ESFE) and supported policy priorities and were based on evidence and knowledge of what we know works in English language teacher education, teaching and learning. Primarily focussing on ODA contexts, the programme was driven by and generates research which will contribute to strategic decision-making around interventions. It included design of a three-year programme that will contribute to the adoption of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment that improve learning outcomes for specified audiences in basic education systems in China and wider East Asia. The technical rationale for the approach proposed, included referencing over 120 recently published studies as an evidence base.

Policy scanning of language and English education policies was conducted and key references were used to inform the programme design. Existing proposed outcomes, entry points, and pathways to impact were validated and the programmatic framework included options for delivery modality, as well as a detailed technical proposal and justification for the approaches suggested.

The report also included advice on partnership strategy for engaging UK and regional partners, a clear statement of programme objectives, audiences, outcomes and longer-term impact; a statement of approach to gender and diversity for the programme, a Covid response statement and an environmental approach statement. There was also a proposed research agenda which included country-specific research for China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and ASEAN as a whole