Susannah
Job title
Teacher
Institution and location
Alexandra Park School, Haringey
Industry sector
Education
Background
French to degree level
Spanish learnt at university and through part time/evening courses
What are your main responsibilities at work?
I teach French and Spanish at Key Stage 3 and French at Key Stage 4. I am second in the Department, which means I am responsible for Key Stage 3 teaching and learning, assessment, schemes of work, etc.
How are languages used in lessons, involving writing, speaking, reading, listening?
In lessons, all of these skills are used and developed. Speaking involves whole class input, games and pair work. Students listen to the teacher, to cassettes and to each other. Textbook, prepared materials, authentic materials, and the Internet are used for reading practice. Writing takes place initially using ‘writing frames’, with looser guidance by end of KS4.
Did you consider other careers options using languages?
Prior to teaching, I worked in a Market Research agency where I used both French and Spanish for back-translating and checking questionnaires and research, and for travel.
Why are languages important in education?
They provide a window into other cultures. Some kids simply enjoy the challenge of learning a language.
Which languages and countries are important to learn about?
I think it’s important to teach any language that kids are likely to come across, either through travel (e.g. European languages), through their families or communities, or any others that may interest them for different reasons.
How did your past experience help you in your job now, especially in terms of developing an understanding of language, culture and international communications?
Learning Spanish later helped because I had a more recent memory of being a beginner in a language. Other skills have come into a play that you wouldn’t think of straight away, such as team working, IT, project management (for example in organising school trips as well as implementing other initiatives).
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy seeing long-term progress. Using creative thinking to find new ways of teaching languages.
Other than language ability, what job skills and experience are needed?
Skills required are communication, diplomacy, patience and the ability to see the world from different perspectives, as well as IT and organisational/admin experience.
What tips would you give to anyone interested in using their languages in your area?
Think hard about the type of students you want to teach. Spend time observing or helping in a school before making a commitment.