Kathryn Board recently started as the new Chief Executive at CILT. Here she talks about her background in languages and her views on recent developments in primary:

Kate, what is your background in languages?

I am a graduate in modern languages, I learned French and German at school, but I also spent 30 years working for the British Council. This involved travelling all over the world, sometimes on postings of three or four years. During this time I had to learn a number of other languages, and I now know eight in total. Not all are perfect! Some are good, some quite rusty!

What is your view of recent developments in primary languages?

I think what is important to me, regarding recent developments is that they have been vital in establishing that the teaching of languages is firmly embedded in the life of the primary school from as early as possible, in as many ways as possible. Professionals in this field now have a wide range of practical tools such as the Key Stage 2 Framework, the Training Zone and the QCA Schemes of Work to name but a few.  These enable young people and their teachers to enjoy a rich holistic learning experience, because what makes languages really interesting to children in primary is that they are able naturally to see the links from their new language to other subject areas such as History, Geography, Art, Drama, Music, ICT, PE. 

What is your view of learning languages at an early age?

I believe the benefits of early language learning are untold. As a language learner myself, I didn’t start learning languages until quite late, for example I began learning German at the age of thirteen, but having during my entire career often seen children as young as three learn other languages, I can say I have observed that young children are like sponges, they love the experience, absorb new words and concepts, so why not give them that wealth of knowledge and experience and also most importantly that wider picture of our world?

Also, as a mum of bilingual children, both of whom learned two other languages at primary school (my daughter was a fluent Basque speaker at three, as well as speaking Spanish and English), I just think it is so enriching for young children.

What is your message for those teaching languages in primary?

To those teaching primary languages I would say, keep up the excellent work! You have so much to give your children!

I think to give young children that rich world view as well as the language learning skills so early on in life actually increases their confidence and gives them a perspective on the world that will carry on throughout their entire lives.

On another note, we need to enable teachers to grow their own language skills, so that they can teach other languages and broaden the range of languages on offer, as well as providing children with a rich linguistic “bath” in which to learn.

And I have a message for the children: just have fun and enjoy the experience of learning about how people in other parts of the world live their lives! Bringing the wider world into your school and classroom is amazing!