Why learn a language?

Over the last 6 years in teaching I have run open days and parents evening. There is always a parent who will walk past my door quickly and comment on how there isn't any point learning a language. In a post Brexit Britain where 'everyone speaks English' there are some who question the necessity. I was fortunate enough to be brought up bilingual and I am a firm believer that having another language from such a young age allowed me to be more curious and open-minded towards others around me. There are numerous studies that support the benefits of learning a language on the brain and cognitive function including fighting off dementia. In the UK language learning happens later than other countries in Europe and often I have found when working outside of the UK children who have learnt English early in school are much more confident because they didn't have the worry about making mistakes or feeling self conscious. Neverthe

less, languages where students are learning in the classroom still have enormous benefits. Students are pushed outside of their comfort zone, stretched in all four skills of listening reading writing and speaking as well as learn about cultures other than their own. During lockdown I interviewed past students who attended my school and all of them said their biggest regret after leaving school was giving up a language. In the working world it put candidates a cut above the rest and made them even more employable. It is a skill for life which can't be underestimated and once a child has learnt one language well it becomes easier to learn another. The opportunities in living abroad and studying languages at university boosts confidence as well as gives students an opportunity to experience a different culture other than their own. As we finish the GCSE exams for my school I am proud to say that all the speaking exams I assessed (over 50!) were able to communicate brilliantly in another language and I hope one day will go abroad and put their skills into practice.