Following an MFL career talk to a year group, one class of 30 students were asked to offer feedback

As these very powerful MFL Career talks continue around the UK, one school in the Cotswold's decided to gauge the impact on one class after a talk to a full year year group.

The results of the feedback were amazing and some fantastic student comments. If this one class is replicated across the whole year group then its a great success

Results of an MFL pupil voice survey at Highfield Leadership Academy

Highfield Leadership Academy in Blackpool recently completed a pupil voice survey with 42 pupils post MFL career talk by David Binns of MFL Insights, the results speak for themselves;

Impact Evaluation – David Binns (MFL Insights) Presentation

The pupil voice questionnaire focused on pupils' attitudes towards language learning before and after David Binns' presentation, together with their motivation to succeed in French.

Conclusion

The pupil voice demonstrates that David Binns' presentation had a significant positive impact on pupils' perceptions of language learning. There was a marked shift towards recognising the importance of languages, with two-thirds of pupils reporting a more positive attitude after the talk.

Furthermore, over four-fifths of pupils indicated they were likely to put more effort into French, suggesting the presentation successfully increased both the perceived value of language learning and pupils' motivation to succeed.

These findings support the continued use of external careers speakers as part of the department's strategy to raise the profile of languages and encourage GCSE uptake.

This is HUGELY positive.  Many many thanks for your contribution in shifting this attitude.

Suzanne Gibson

Director Of Learning - MFL - Highfield Leadership Academy

Question 1 vs Question 2: 

How important is learning a language?

Response                                     Before           After           Change

Very important                                  1                  12                  +11

Quite Important                               14                 25                  +11        

Not Very Important                         23                  4                    -19

Not Important at all                         3                    1                     -2

Overall impact:

  • 28 pupils (67%) reported a more positive view of language learning following the presentation.
  • 24 pupils moved up one category.
  • 4 pupils moved up two categories.
  • 14 pupils (33%) remained the same.
  • No pupils reported a less positive attitude after the talk.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Question 10: 

How likely are you to put more effort into French this year?

Response                        Number of pupils            

Very likely                                        1                 

Quite likely                                     14                     

Not Very likely                                23                 

Not at all likely                                3                    

Key finding:

  • 35 out of 42 pupils (83%) stated they were very likely or quite likely to put more effort into French following the presentation.

What do the students of Wycliffe College say?

  • It has encouraged me to want to learn a language as it shows it can REALLY help you in the future.   
  • It has opened my eyes to other cultures, and I found it inspiring.
  • I have been made much more enthusiastic.
  • Languages could be the key to getting the job that you want and being chosen out of the many people that apply.
  • It emphasised the importance of learning a new language and that it can help to get jobs and make friends.
  • It has inspired me to take a language to A Level and continue this through the rest of my life. David Binns was the one who most inspired me.
  • I am more likely to take a language because of David Binns.
  • David was great. He gave us biscuits and gave us a good reason to take languages.
  • It has showed how languages can help you for work opportunities. David was the one who shaped my attitude to languages the most.

"The guidance truly connected with how I learn. I gained far better communication skills that gave me an immediate edge in my university interviews and placement applications."

Sophie Walker
A-Level Spanish Student, Leeds

"What sets MFL Insights apart is their ability to relate to students on a personal level. The 45 years of business experience shows in every practical exercise and real-life scenario."

David Harrison
Parent of GCSE French Student, West Yorkshire

"Our pupils were genuinely engaged and motivated. The sessions clearly demonstrated why modern foreign languages matter in the modern workplace and inspired renewed focus."

Clare Davies
Head of Modern Languages, Secondary School

"Learning languages with MFL Insights transformed my confidence. Their real-world advice helped me understand the career value of bilingual communication from day one."

Liam Bennett, Undergraduate Language Scholar, Yorkshire