This week in The Language Lab, technology staged a quiet rebellion.A key piece of hardware and a key piece of software decided they would no longer speak to each other, which means the full episode could not be released on time. Everything is now sorted and the scheduled episode with Tom Sherrington will be out next week as normal.In this short update, Will shares a few quick thoughts for the final stretch of the winter term. How do you keep your own energy up when the days are dark and the classes are tired. How do you help students stay focused without burning through your last reserves. And what simple, low effort routines can make the difference when everyone is running on fumes.For links, transcripts and more visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.ukSupport the show on Patreon at patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast or on Buy Me a Coffee at buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcastNext week: Tom Sherrington. It will be worth the wait.
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Ellie Chettle Cully: Beyond Bonjour, The Real KS2 Languages Curriculum
What does a high-quality Primary French curriculum actually look like in 2025? In this episode of The Language Lab Podcast, host Will Marks sits down with Ellie Chettle Cully, primary languages specialist and coordinator of the ALL Primary Languages Hub. Together they explore how to build meaningful, sustainable KS2 language learning—from phonics and progression to cultural understanding, global citizenship and decolonising the curriculum.Ellie shares practical strategies for teaching French across Key Stage 2, explains why phonics is essential for confident pronunciation, and discusses how to support non-specialist teachers in delivering effective MFL lessons. They also look at the realities of transition into secondary languages and how early language learning shapes long-term success.Perfect for primary teachers, secondary MFL departments, curriculum leads and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of what “good” looks like in Primary Languages today.Explore Ellie’s blog:https://myprimarylanguagesclassroom.wordpress.comFor transcripts, links and resources:www.languagelabpodcast.co.ukSupport the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast
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Our Newcastle, Our World: Declan Baharini & Sarah Edgar on Building a City of Languages
What happens when a city decides that languages belong to everyone?In this episode, Declan Baharini (CEO of International Newcastle) and Sarah Edgar (Schools of Sanctuary and EAL Lead) join Will to share how Our Newcastle, Our World and the Express Yourself Festival of Languages have turned partnership and passion into a movement.From international school links and heritage language projects to 94,000 pupils singing in 25 languages, Newcastle’s story shows how inclusion, creativity, and collaboration can reshape how we teach — and why we teach.🎙️ A must-listen for anyone who believes language learning should build bridges, not tick boxes.🎧 Listen now, and check out the festival at www.languagelabpodcast.co.ukexpressyourselfne.comSupport the show:☕ buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast🎧 patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
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Maud Waret Pt. 2 Teaching in Colour: Space, Equity and the Future of Learning
In the second half of her conversation with Will Marks, Maud Waret turns from curriculum to culture — asking what schools could look like if they were built around people, not policy.Together they explore wellbeing, empathy, equity and design: from nutrition and architecture to the way classroom spaces shape learning itself. Maud argues for an education system that nurtures curiosity and humanity as much as knowledge, and one that sees pupils as whole people rather than statistics.A calm, hopeful and deeply human conversation about the future of teaching, learning and belonging in our schools.🎧 Listen, read and find more at www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast💡 Join early access and bonus content: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
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Season Premier Maud Waret Pt 1 Decolonising the Curriculum: Who Gets to Tell the Story
What does it really mean to decolonise the curriculum — and why is it important?In this first part of Will’s conversation with Maud Waret, French and Spanish teacher, curriculum developer and writer, they explore how the stories we tell in classrooms shape what pupils learn about themselves and the world. From growing up in France to researching representation during lockdown, Maud shares her reflections on teaching, assessment and the invisible narratives that run through our subjects.A thoughtful and inspiring look at what happens when we ask who gets to tell the story — and how we might widen the lens.🎧 Listen, read and find more at www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/languagelabpodcast💡 Join early access and bonus content: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
A podcast exploring the art of language teaching within the UK education system. Host Will Marks dives into the challenges of the modern MFL classroom, behaviour management, and student engagement. Each week features interviews with teachers, parents, and experts, offering practical insights and fresh ideas to inspire the next generation of linguists.
UK