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
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1:03:44
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Carmen Santos: Teaching the World in One Classroom
In the Season 3 finale, Will Marks is joined by Carmen Santos, former Head of Languages at Queen Katharine Academy, to explore what inclusion really looks like in one of the UK’s most linguistically diverse schools.From teaching Roma and EAL learners to creating predictable routines that build confidence, Carmen shares practical strategies for making every student feel seen and supported — without losing the humour, energy, or joy that make great teaching sustainable.They talk candidly about behaviour, differentiation, and the myth of “low ability”, as well as the pressures of workload, marking, and the need to protect teacher wellbeing.A thoughtful and uplifting conversation about what it means to teach every child — and to stay human while doing it.💻 For links, transcripts and bonus content visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk.☕ Support the show via Spotify Subscriptions (£2.99/month), Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee.
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1:04:44
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Martin Lapworth: TaskMagic to Textivate – The Quiet Revolution in MFL
In this episode, Will Marks sits down with Martin Lapworth, the quiet innovator behind TaskMagic, Textivate, TeachVid, and Sentence Builders — the tools that quietly transformed how modern languages are taught across the UK and beyond.Martin shares how a single Visual Basic manual turned him from an overworked teacher into one of MFL’s most influential creators. Together, they unpack the evolution of teacher-led EdTech, the power of context in language learning, and how software born from classroom frustration can reshape an entire profession.This is a story about creativity, problem-solving, and the quiet persistence of a teacher who built what he couldn’t find — and in doing so, changed the way languages are taught.💻 For links, transcripts and bonus content visit www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk.☕ Support the show via Spotify Subscriptions (£2.99/month), Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee.SentenceBuilders - HomeTeachVid - LoginTextActivities - Home
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Jonathan Mumford: Whiteboards, Workload, and Why Teaching Still Matters
In this extended episode, Jonathan Mumford joins Will Marks to explore the realities of language teaching in 2025. Together they discuss how audio feedback and mini whiteboards can transform lessons, why marking policies need a rethink, and how to build a curriculum that balances rigour with accessibility.The conversation ranges from behaviour and emotional intelligence to leadership, student motivation, and the role of research in keeping lessons fresh. With nearly twenty years in the classroom, Jonathan brings a chill, practical perspective that makes big challenges feel manageable. A fantastic episode full of insights, stories, and ideas you can take straight into your own teaching.Find out more about Jonathan’s work and CPD sessions at jmumfordteachertraining.com.
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Julia Vogado: Bringing the World Into the Classroom
Founder of the All Abroad Bus project, Julia joins me to talk about immersive pop-up language and culture experiences that use VR, food, smells, sounds, and role-play to make languages real.We discuss equity in access, the role of culture in the curriculum, and why resilience and joy matter more than perfection.Julia’s work proves that sometimes the best way to learn a language is to step into a market, festival, or café — even if it’s inside your school hall.Find the All Abroad Bus at www.allabroadbus.org
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