The Language Lab Podcast

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It's half term, so there's no full conversation this week. Instead, a short one from Will Marks: why this is the break to actually take, and why rest isn't the reward for surviving the term, it's how you survive the next one. There's an update on the show's new guest blog, with pieces from past guests including Steve Smith, Juliette Claro and Dr Elsa Petit, a push for listener voice notes (staff-room phone quality is fine), and a small, honest ask about Patreon and sponsorship. The next full episode lands on Thursday 5 November at the usual time. Until then: look after yourselves, and keep the conversation going.

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Are languages fighting a losing battle against the rise of STEM? In this episode, host Will Marks is joined by MFL consultant Sohelie Zafar to discuss how we can raise the profile of languages in an increasingly pressurized curriculum. Moving away from the 'Parisian cafe' stereotype, Sohelie offers practical advice on decolonising the curriculum, making trips more than just a 'jolly', and why language teachers need to be the chief advocates for their own departments. Whether you are a department head or a classroom teacher looking for ways to make your lessons more impactful, this conversation digs into the messy, unexpected realities of modern language teaching. We also reflect on the formative power of the year abroad and why, despite the challenges, there has never been a more important time to be a linguist.

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Are your primary language lessons a fragile house of cards? If the lead teacher leaves, does the provision collapse? In this episode, Will Marks sits down with Will Lloyd, director of the Primary Languages Network, to discuss how schools can move from 'here-today-gone-tomorrow' quick fixes to sustainable, embedded language culture. We dive deep into the 'momentum method,' a five-step framework designed to stabilize foundations, upskill non-specialist teachers, and create a shared responsibility model across the staffroom. Will Lloyd explains why honesty about teacher anxiety is the most effective starting point for any school, how we can effectively bridge the gap between primary and secondary, and why we should stop obsessing over elite-level delivery in favour of consistent, confident communication. If you are a language coordinator looking for practical, long-term strategies that don't burn out your staff, this is an essential listen.
Will also mentions the ELLiE study (Early Language Learning in Europe): https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/case-studies-insights-and-research/ellie-early-language-learning-europe

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In this episode, Will Marks is joined by Juliet Park, Director of Modern Foreign Languages at The Share Trust. Tired of seeing language education confined to dry grammar drills and distant academic theory, Juliet shares her vision for 'Business Pathways'—a curriculum that treats language as a genuine career superpower. We discuss the disconnect between the classroom and the adult world, the importance of fostering speaking confidence over seeking perfection, and why the current GCSE and A-level model might be underserving our students. Juliet offers concrete insights into how teachers can integrate vocational skills into their classrooms, help students recognise the value of their linguistic ability in sectors like healthcare, football, and video gaming, and navigate the pressures of modern school league tables. Whether you are an MFL leader or a classroom teacher looking for ways to make your curriculum feel more alive and relevant, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on the future of language learning.

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Are we overstating the language learning crisis? Join Will Marks and Dr. Elsa Petit, Senior Lecturer in French Language Studies at Queen Mary University of London, for a deep dive into the state of modern language education. Dr. Petit brings 30 years of experience to a conversation about moving beyond the 'decline' narrative. We explore the role of critical AI literacy in the classroom, how to shift assessment focus from final outputs to learning processes, and why we need to stop gendering subjects like languages. We also discuss how to turn AI into a supportive, 24/7 'digital brain buddy' for students and why fun, interactive teaching methods shouldn't stop at primary school. This is a practical, candid look at how we can make language learning more inclusive, visible, and genuinely useful for the next generation of students. Visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk for more resources.