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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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📚 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
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🎵 Theme music: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks, via Uppbeat (uppbeat.io)
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🧪 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.
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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
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 schools
What real policy change could look like
How accountability systems shape (or strangle) curriculum
The potential of AI in the classroom
What Darren misses about academia—and what he’s learning on the green benches
This 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
Steve Smith — MFL veteran, author, blogger, and founder of FrenchTeacher.net — joins Will Marks for a full-throttle deep dive into how we teach languages, why we might be getting some of it wrong, and how to do it better.
From his early fascination with Stephen Krashen and language acquisition theory to co-authoring Breaking the Sound Barrier with Gianfranco Conti, Steve walks us through decades of research and reflection on what works — and what doesn’t — in the classroom.
Topics include:
Input vs. grammar: What actually drives language acquisition?
Sentence builders, repetition, and building linguistic self-efficacy
Why GCSE reform still misses the mark
Vocab tests and the illusion of mastery
AI as a teacher’s assistant, not enemy of creativity
He also shares how AI is saving him hours writing resources — and what teachers can do to keep their lessons engaging without burning out.
📚 Steve’s blog: frenchteachernet.blogspot.co.uk
📖 Breaking the Sound Barrier
🎒 Resources: frenchteacher.net
🎵 Theme: “Jump and Jive” by All Good Folks via Uppbeat
🔗 Support us: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
💡 Our Website: languagelabpodcast.co.uk
In this episode, Will catches up with Claire Cuminatto, Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia—and, memorably, one of his own former lecturers.
They explore how university language degrees are evolving to meet a new generation of learners:
Applied language learning and real-world skills
Employability and the value of language graduates
Study abroad after Brexit (goodbye Erasmus, hello Turing)
The role of AI in language education
Creating safe spaces to fail, improv games, podcast assessments, and more
Plus: a trip down memory lane to Sacré Théâtre, UEA’s long-running French-language theatre company. Find out more at sacretheatre.co.uk
🔗 Explore more at languagelabpodcast.co.uk
💡 Support the show on Patreon or subscribe on Spotify for £2.99/month.
🎵 Theme music: Jump and Jive by All Good Folks via Uppbeat — copyright-free music for creators.
This week, Will sits down with Dr. Rebecca Mitchell — Cambridge lecturer, sociolinguist, and founder of National Linguistics Day — for a conversation that ranges from Saussure to slang, AI to accent bias, and endangered languages to elderly karaoke. (Yes, really.)
We explore how linguistics can transform classrooms, challenge stereotypes, and make education genuinely inclusive. Rebecca shares how a late-night idea became a grassroots movement, why she’s on a mission to get heritage languages into schools, and how you can get involved — without needing a PhD or a government grant.
Topics include:
Why linguistics matters (and why it’s still overlooked)
How AI is changing how we think
Accent bias, language policy, and decolonising the curriculum
Simple ways to celebrate National Linguistics Day in your school
🔗 Resources and contact info: linguisticshq.co.uk
🌐 More from us: languagelabpodcast.co.uk
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💡 Support the podcast on Spotify for £2.99/month or join us on Patreon for bonus episodes and warm fuzzy feelings. All support helps keep the show indie, ad-free, and slightly less reliant on caffeine.
To kick off Season 2, Will is joined by consultant, author and languages powerhouse Crista Hazell to talk all things MFL — from building student confidence to what SLT need to understand about the classroom.
They explore teacher wellbeing, trust, and why real connection always beats rigid checklists.
📘 Independent Thinking on MFL:
https://www.independentthinkingpress.com/books/teachingskills/independent-thinking-on-mfl/
Use code ITL20 at check out for 20% off and free P&P
🔗 More: languagelabpodcast.co.uk
💬 Bonus episodes + early access: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
In our final episode of Season 1, we’re looking at what actually makes students engage with language learning – beyond the data points, initiatives, and well-meaning gimmicks.
First, we hear from Lara Callow, an associate tutor in a pupil referral unit, who shares how one teacher changed her view of Spanish entirely. Then we’re joined by David Binns, Director of UK Operations at Sanako and long-time advocate for language education, who brings four decades of no-nonsense wisdom on tech, oracy, SLT, and what needs to change if languages are going to survive – let alone thrive.
👋 As this is our season finale, a huge thank you to all our listeners, guests, and supporters. We’ll be back with Season 2 on June 12th, kicking things off with the one and only Crista Hazell.
🎧 For more episodes, resources and extras, visit: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
💬 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/TheLanguageLabPodcast
📲 Follow us on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and Bluesky: @TheLanguageLabPod
🎵 Music: "Jump and Jive" by All Good Folks via Uppbeat – Copyright free music for creators.
Guests: Isla McIntosh & Alasdair Harris
In this episode of The Language Lab, we speak to two people at very different ends of their teaching journeys — and both with powerful perspectives on what the future of language education might look like.
First, Will catches up with Isla McIntosh, a former student turned trainee teacher and music graduate. Isla shares honest reflections on student engagement, the role of wellbeing in education, and how technology is shifting what it means to be an inspiring teacher in today's classroom.
Then we dive into the world of AI with Alasdair Harris, founder of LingoTeach.ai, a platform built by teachers, for teachers. Alasdair shares how LingoTeach uses AI to dramatically reduce teacher workload, streamline lesson creation, and keep classroom content dynamic and personalized. But the conversation goes further—into digital ethics, the human side of teaching, and how to reclaim energy, creativity, and balance in a high-pressure profession.
From green screen weather forecasts to AI-generated rap battles, from mental health advocacy to the rise of classroom bots—this episode explores how teachers can stay grounded while innovating with purpose.
Links & Resources:
Our Website: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
Try LingoTeach: https://lingoteach.ai/
Music Credit:“Jump and Jive” by All Good Folks via Uppbeat – Copyright Free Music for Creators uppbeat.io
In this episode of the Language Lab Podcast, I’m joined by Jérôme Noguès – a teacher, AI advocate, and all-round creative force in the MFL world. We talk about what actually gets students engaged, from using tools like Suno to write original French songs, to building lessons around student voice, gamification, and the EPI approach. There’s also a healthy dose of honesty about phones in classrooms, AI ethics, and why mini whiteboards are still undefeated.
If you’re looking for ways to make your language classroom more dynamic, tech-savvy, and just plain fun (without losing the grammar), this one’s for you.
You can also check out Jérôme’s own podcast, The AI Language Lab, for bite-sized insights on how technology is reshaping MFL:
The AI Language Lab on Spotify
Find more from us at: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
Support the podcast and access bonus content over on Patreon:
The Language Lab on Patreon
In this episode of The Language Lab, I engage with Kate Clifton, founder of Kate Languages, as she shares her transition from traditional classroom teaching to becoming a resource creator and trainer for Modern Foreign Language (MFL) educators. We explore her journey through burnout in the high-stakes education system and the importance of mental well-being for teachers. Kate reflects on the current challenges facing MFL teachers in the UK, including the pressures of grading and societal attitudes towards language learning. She also discusses the integration of AI tools in the classroom and how they can enhance lesson planning. Throughout our conversation, Kate emphasizes the significance of community and support among educators, offering practical advice to help them advocate for language teaching and nurture a love for languages in their students.
In this episode of The Language Lab, I discuss Extensive Processing Instruction (EPI) with Dr. Gianfranco Conti, a prominent figure in language education. We examine how EPI, using the Mars Ears framework, enhances language learning by establishing a structured approach that prepares students with essential vocabulary and grammar before engaging in communicative tasks. Dr. Conti highlights the method's effectiveness in mixed-ability classrooms, focusing on systematic recycling and practice to build linguistic capacity. Our conversation covers practical implementation strategies for educators, the importance of contextualizing instruction, and fostering engagement through meaningful activities. We conclude by underscoring the need for collaboration among teachers and ongoing professional development to inspire a passion for language and communication among students.
Welcome to the very first episode of The Language Lab – the podcast for language teachers who love their job (most of the time) and wouldn’t mind a few fresh ideas to make things easier, smarter, and, let’s be honest, a bit more fun.
We’re kicking off the series with one of education’s biggest debates: Is technology helping or hindering language learning?
First up, Will Marks chats with John Marks, a primary school governor (and also Will’s dad!), for a no-nonsense take on smartphones, safeguarding, and meaningful tech use in schools. Then, we dive into a dynamic, idea-packed conversation with Joe Dale, a leading voice in MFL EdTech, about the real potential – and pitfalls – of AI in the classroom.
From Padlet and AI tutors to workload hacks, CLIL, digital ethics, and saving time with feedback tools, this episode is a treasure trove for both tech-curious teachers and digital skeptics alike.
🔍 Topics include:
Smartphones: ban them or manage them?
AI in MFL: game-changer or gimmick?
How to prompt AI for great resources
Joe’s top tools for language teaching
The future of teacher creativity in an AI-driven world
Whether you’re planning lessons, dodging cover, or hiding in the department office with a biscuit and a thousand-yard stare – this one’s for you.
Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share with your department (and that one colleague who’s still not convinced about using EdTech).
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheLanguageLabPodcast
Visit: www.languagelabpodcast.co.uk
Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/jump-jive
Coming soon… Welcome to Language Lab — the podcast where language teachers get real.
We’re diving into the classroom, the staffroom, and the big debates — from AI and target language struggles to what’s actually working in UK language education.
You’ll hear from voices that matter — like Joe Dale, Gianfranco Conti, Kate Languages, and more.
Fresh ideas, honest chats, and a little mischief along the way.
Language Lab — hitting your feed soon. Subscribe now and let’s keep the conversation going.
