The Language Lab Podcast

• Ben Levi: Teaching Languages for Real Life

  Teacher and Language Sofa host Ben Levi joins me to cut through MFL myths and argue for languages as life skills, not tick-box exams. We talk about why vocab lists don’t work, how scaffolding supports SEN and mixed-ability groups, the power of humour and games, curriculum design headaches, and what GCSEs might look like if teachers were in charge.

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• Jane Driver: Hope for the Future of Languages

  Season 3 begins with a double drop! In this episode I’m joined by Jane Driver — Headteacher, mentor, innovator of Spelling Bees and Eurovision phonics projects, and now President Elect of the Association for Language Learning.We talk about enrichment, target-language teaching, community, and why the future of languages still looks bright — if we back our students.Jane was also my Head of Department when I first started out, so expect a mix of professional insight and a few personal throwbacks.🎧 Episode 1a with Ryan Smith is also out now.

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• Ryan Smith: What Students Really Think About Languages

  Season 3 kicks off with a double drop. In this episode, I chat with Ryan Smith — one of my former students who’s gone from GCSE Spanish to living in Zaragoza, back as a TA, and now working in cover and adult ESL.We talk about cultural engagement, the EAL reality, GCSE speaking exam nerves, and why learning a second language lets you try on a whole new persona.🎧 Don’t miss the companion episode out this week too: S3 E1b with Jane Driver, Headteacher and President Elect of ALL.

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• Esmeralda Salgado Rewriting the MFL Rulebook With Joy

  Esmeralda Salgado is one of the most influential voices in UK language teaching — and not just because she’s been writing game-changing blog posts since the days of OHPs and cassette tapes. Head of MFL, lead practitioner, curriculum designer, and the generous mind behind MFL Craft, she’s been quietly reshaping how teachers across the country plan, teach, and inspire.In this Season 2 finale of The Language Lab Podcast, Will sits down with Esme to talk about:– 25 years of classroom experience (and what’s changed for the better)– How simplifying your curriculum can actually increase GCSE uptake– What lexicogrammar really means (and why the misconceptions miss the mark)– AI tools like Mizu and how to scaffold speaking without burning out– Her favourite digital tools (including the mighty Wheel of Names)– Making languages accessible for all learners — not just the top set– Why some kids need a sentence builder, and some just need a Haribo– The new GCSE, what’s different (and what’s not), and how she’s responding– The power of scaffolding, celebration, and students seeing real success– Plus how to sell your subject to parents, SLT, and yes — even Ofsted.This episode is full of practical advice, gentle provocations, and plenty of joy — the kind that reminds us why this job is still worth doing.🎧 Listen, follow, and share now. And don’t forget — Season 3 launches Thursday 11th September with a special double bill.—📚 Find Esmeralda’s blog and resources: https://mflcraft.blogspot.com🌐 Show notes and transcripts: https://www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk💛 Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast—🎵 Theme music: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks, via Uppbeat (uppbeat.io)—🧪 The Language Lab Podcast is hosted by Will Marks — language teacher, curriculum nerd, and host of mildly chaotic educational conversations with the people shaping modern MFL.—New to the pod? Start with:– Joe Dale on AI and tech in the MFL classroom– Gianfranco Conti on EPI, cognitive load, and teacher sanity– Claire Cuminatto on employability, theatre, and the modern language degree

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• Darren Paffey Acronyms, Ai and Arguing for Languages

  In this episode, I’m joined by Darren Paffey Mp - newly elected MP for Southampton Itchen and one of the very few members of Parliament with a serious background in language education. Before his move into politics, Darren was an Associate Professor of Spanish and Linguistics at the University of Southampton, a city councillor, and a longstanding advocate for inclusive, multilingual education.We discuss:The current state of language learning in UK schoolsWhat real policy change could look likeHow accountability systems shape (or strangle) curriculumThe potential of AI in the classroomWhat Darren misses about academia—and what he’s learning on the green benchesThis is a conversation about education, policy, identity, and why languages are far more than just a school subject. Darren brings both lived experience and political insight to the table - and doesn’t shy away from tough questions.🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.🎶 Theme: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks via Uppbeat – copyright-free music for creators.💬 Keep the conversation going at languagelabpodcast.co.uk or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast

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