Claire
Job title 
Producer (MFL)
Company and location
Espresso Education
Hammersmith, London
Industry sector
Multi-media Education
Background
Aberdare Girls’ School, South Wales, 11 0-Levels including French and Welsh and 3 A-Levels in English, French and Welsh.
University of Birmingham, BA (Hons) in French Language and Literature, PGCE French and English
Nine years teaching experience in Secondary and Primary schools in Birmingham and London
Why is Spanish important for your job?
I am responsible for production of multi-media educational materials for KS3 French, Primary French, Primary Spanish and soon Primary German. I am currently planning and writing the first Primary Spanish module, which is scheduled to go out to schools subscribing to Espresso in the Autumn term 2006. I need a good command of Spanish for the writing of the materials, and in view of filming on location in Spain next year. I also enjoy travelling to Spanish speaking countries during holidays. Of course it is always useful and rewarding to try and speak the language of the country visited.
Do you speak any other language?
French and Welsh as well as basic German and Italian.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like the fact that my job is creative and usually interesting! I use my language skills every day. I work as part of a team, but also enjoy a certain degree of autonomy in my role. I like the fact that I am no longer governed by the school bell, and am responsible for organising my own time in this job. I also enjoy researching current affairs and popular culture topics for inclusion when planning modules. I particularly like writing scripts for planned filming as well as voice-over scripts for news stories, writing briefs for new multi-media activities and working with programmers, designers and editors.
The working environment is quite relaxed, and colleagues are mutually supportive and very open to sharing skills and ideas. I am continually learning new skills here. I have opportunities for travel when filming for modules. I also travel to schools in the UK to see materials being used in schools, and to gain valuable feedback from staff and students.
What experience and other job skills are needed?
My teaching experience has been extremely important for doing this job – regarding curriculum knowledge and also pedagogical knowledge e.g. differentiation methods, how ICT can enhance language learning etc. The use of ICT in the MFL classroom is increasing at an amazing rate. There has been a great advances in ICT use since I left the classroom nearly 4 years ago. It is enjoyable to be part of that process.
Source:Consejería de Educación