Going beyond the obvious

Ben Evans, Headmaster at Edge Grove School

The learning of languages from an early age is an essential life skill and one that has traditionally been given far less kudos in our education system than it truly deserves. Acquiring a new language, from pre-school age contributes to long-term fluency and it has been well documented that children who learn more than one language are more adept at language learning than monolinguals.

Today, we are also becoming increasingly aware that those children who have learnt more than one language early on, have demonstrated an increased ability to problem solve due to their high order thinking skills. Those fluent in more than one language have also been shown to develop stronger multi-tasking and creative ability. There really are very few arguments against the benefits of global language learning for the young.

Children, typically, acquire their first language whilst being actively engaged, exploring their environment and interacting with others. They gradually acquire the vocabulary and the rules of grammar of the language, and the communicative competence, enabling them to use language appropriately in different contexts. Young children learn best in an environment of fun and active engagement and in collaboration with their peers – language learning should be no different.

Understanding the science behind language acquisition

Research has shown that young children have an innate ability to acquire new languages due to the plasticity of the brain and ear. This neuroplasticity gives younger brains the ability to be more sensitive and responsive to experiences than those that are older. This is why it makes sense to introduce our children to a range of languages early on. It is widely believed that after the age of seven, children can start to lose their natural ability to reproduce new sounds, which makes language learning more difficult.

It is important that schools begin to understand the science behind the acquisition of languages to appreciate how important it is to harness their youngest pupils’ natural abilities to enhance their learning. Just as the brain goes through stages of development as we age so too does the larynx, which undergoes changes as children grow and, as a result, they will gradually lose the ability to pronounce new sounds with accuracy and ease.

Some independent schools are teaching languages such as Mandarin, Arabic and Japanese (known to be some of the hardest languages to learn). This is because at a young age, children can reproduce many of the complex sounds required for some of these languages more easily than adults can. This goes beyond a lack of inhibitions but is due to the physicality of their vocal systems, auditory skills and oral plasticity.

Exposure to global languages creates proficient learners

The more exposure young children have to a number of global languages, the more proficient the learning becomes. It is most definitely time to look beyond the traditional French, German and Spanish languages and adopt a far more global outlook across all aspects of our children’s education.

Today we are preparing our children to become global citizens and to take their place in a global and diverse society. This has to be inbuilt into our curriculums and within the skill development programmes, which are so essential for pupils to become successful and accomplished in the 21st century. An international outlook and responsibility should go beyond paying mere lip service to a global understanding and actually furnish children the foundations and building blocks for later life. It must start with EYFS to ensure this is fully embedded in each child’s educational journey.

Pupils need to be actively engaged in their language learning, for it to be relevant and exciting. The environment needs to be interactive with high quality communicative activities that mirror those of first language learning. Additionally, for the best possible outcomes, exposure to and interaction with native speakers is essential. Only then will the richness of the language become apparent, together with a deeper cultural understanding, which cannot be underestimated.

Languages help to create a deeper understanding of other cultures

The learning of languages goes far beyond the mechanics of speaking, listening and comprehension. A full programme of global language learning will encompass geography, history, religion as well as a deeper understanding and awareness of cultural tolerance. These are the often hidden and neglected skills, which escape standard and traditional curriculums.

It is essential that language learning in schools is modernised and revamped and that any past stigmas are removed. We can no longer believe that teaching one or possibly two languages for the duration of prep or junior school is beneficial to pupils’ future skill development or in any way relevant in today’s diverse world. In the future, it is likely that good schools will adopt a more innovative approach focusing on the scientific principles behind language acquisition and the need for children to develop a global outlook and international awareness.

At Edge Grove, our aim is to enhance language learning and promote cross-curricular links by introducing a carousel of languages in our Pre Prep. This will develop children’s linguistic abilities with particular attention to their auditory skills and their vocal system.

Preparation for life in a global society

The Edge Grove model is designed to give children the building blocks to become successful linguists who are not only well-prepared for Common Entrance and other senior school examinations but also well prepared for life in a global society. From an ISI inspection perspective this model will also cover many of the requirements including the linguistic element of ‘Knowledge Skills and Understanding’; Communication; Attitudes to Learning; Self- Understanding; Social Development and Collaboration; Respecting Diversity and Cultural Understanding.

As schools we should be looking to equip our children with the focus and tools necessary to become effective language learners from an early age, but with a greater global perspective. If we are able to nurture a much deeper cultural understanding and cultivate a love of language learning, it is a skill that will remain with them throughout their educational journey and beyond.