What role do languages play in education? And what happens when schools move beyond seeing language as simply a subject to be taught?
These questions sit at the heart of a fascinating conversation between Oxford Education Deanery host Hamish Chalmers and multilingual education specialist Dr Eowyn Crisfield,
Honorary Norham Fellow at the Department of Education, Oxford University, who discusses the development of a
city-wide language policy for schools in Coventry.
One of the most thought-provoking ideas from the discussion is that language policy is not just a document. Every school already has a language policy, whether written down or not; it lives in everyday decisions, classroom interactions, curriculum choices, and the messages schools send about which languages are valued.
The conversation challenges the common assumption that multilingualism is something that only concerns children learning English as an additional language. Instead, it explores a broader vision: one where language learning, language diversity, and linguistic inclusion benefit all students.
A key theme is the idea of moving away from viewing languages as competitors. Rather than seeing English, home languages, and additional languages as being in competition for time and attention, the discussion highlights how they can work together to support learning, identity, belonging, and academic success.
The podcast also explores:
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Why multilingualism is far more common in UK schools than many people realise.
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What schools can learn from international examples of language education.
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How language policies can support both multilingual and monolingual learners.
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The importance of connecting language learning to local communities and real-world communication.
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Why effective language policies must be visible in classrooms and corridors, not just stored on a website.
Perhaps the most powerful message is summed up in a phrase Dr Crisfield uses throughout the conversation: "One child, one brain, multiple languages." It is a reminder that languages are not separate compartments in a student's life, but interconnected resources that can enrich learning across the curriculum.
As
Coventry prepares to launch its city-wide language policy, the discussion offers valuable insights for school leaders, teachers, and anyone interested in creating more inclusive educational environments.
Listen to the complete episode from the
Oxford Education Deanery podcast to hear the full conversation, including the story behind the Coventry project, lessons from
Jersey's pioneering language policy, and practical ideas and resources for schools, such as
WoLLoW.
The University of Oxford Education Deanery’s mission is to empower educators worldwide to understand, use, and co-produce high-quality research evidence in education. In this podcast series, we explore the latest research from the Department of Education at the University of Oxford and discuss the real-world implications for teachers, parents and policy makers.
