What do the MFL teachers say?

 

Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teachers across the UK share valuable feedback, highlighting the significant impact our MFL career talks have on students' understanding of the importance of MFL in any career path they choose. Based on data shared by these teachers, we’re proud to have inspired at least 14,500 students to reconsider and choose a language course, even after initially deciding against it.

Each talk concludes with a dynamic question-and-answer session, giving students the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic. The questions often kick off with playful inquiries like, "How much do you earn?", "Do you have a Ferrari?" or "Do you live in a big house?"

However, the conversation quickly shifts to more meaningful topics, with students asking questions such as, "What’s the best language to learn?" or "I want to be a doctor—do I need to study a language?" These moments spark engaging debates about Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) that resonate with students of all ages.

"Over the Moon! After 6 months in my new school we went from 10 students taking French and 10 students taking Spanish. We are now at 22 taking French and 38 taking Spanish next year. It's not a lot but it's amazing for us !!! Thanks to David Binns and my wonderful MFL team. I am so happy with the uptake in just a few months :). Almost a 400% increase."

 

Esmeralda Salgado

Princes Risborough School

"Following on from the success of your talks in January this year, and the biggest uptake that we have had for Languages over the last 10 years (92 students!), we would love for you to come and visit us again in January 2024 to talk to Year 9 French about languages/GCSE options. Are you still able to do this? We would be very grateful if you would pop in for a visit when you are in the area! "

Rebecca Simpson

Wyedean School & 6th Form College

"I just wanted to get in touch to let you know that we have definitely increased our number for GCSE MFL next year. We have received a lot more interest, and, compared to last year, we have had double the number of students choosing Spanish as their first option for GCSE. We are delighted! Thank you so much for your support"

 

Mireia Barrachina Plo

Astrea Academy, Sheffield

"Thank you so much for your time and wise words today in your inspirational talk today. Year 9 and the MFL Department. Tonight we had Year 9 Parent's Evening and it was something which was brought up a lot as I discussed MFL options with Parents/Carers and our students. So I would definitely take that as a success as they very much enjoyed your talk."

 

Kate Rowley

Stockport Academy

"I had been waiting a long time for this, but David did not disappoint. Thank you for encouraging Year 9 to take a language at GCSE, a big thumbs up from me.

I have already had a few conversations with students about which language they might choose moving forward "

 

 

Ivana Stanley

Melbourn Village College

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to David Binns for giving inspirational talks to Year 8, 9 and 11. Thank you so much for supporting our European Day of Languages. Students were so enthused that they couldn't stop asking you questions. They were really inspired as questions continued after you left our school."

 

Jill Snook

Monmouth Comprehensive School

"He also seemed extremely inspired by the gentleman you had in talking to them about languages yesterday.

I think he is starting to dream big and realise he is capable of anything he sets his mind to”

 

Thank you for enabling this change of mind and positivity in my son

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent of Pupil

Callington Community College

I wanted to email to express our deep gratitude to you for  such an inspirational and motivational presentation to our year 9 students yesterday. I sadly could not attend, but on my return to the office I was bombarded with positive feedback about how well the talk had landed with our students, and how brilliantly you delivered the key messages we need them to hear as they embark on their GCSE options process. 

I am sure that we will see the enthusiasm they left with yesterday transpire into good take-up of languages for GCSE next year, 

 

 

 

 

Chris Bufton

Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School

Thank you so much for your talk - I've had lots of positive feedback from the students and staff who attended. 

Clearly you had an impact as several of the parents I spoke to last night said that their child had come home talking about the talk, and you know how rarely teenagers actually share anything about what they've done in a school day! Also, I had a number of students saying they are going to choose Spanish as they know it will give them a better chance to earn more money so clearly the message sank in. 

We won't know the full impact until the students have chosen their options but I really do sense that some that were on the fence about choosing to a language next year have now made a firm decision based on your talk so that's great news.

Naomi Wynd

Jarrow School

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.

For More Information

To discover more about how these impactful MFL career talks can be delivered at your school please contact us