Year 9 Discover Languages At Work 2025
3 December 2025
Last Friday, Priory hosted its latest ‘Make Languages Work’ event, a dynamic and inspiring day designed to show Year 9 pupils how learning a language can unlock exciting career opportunities.
As pupils begin to think about their Options, the event couldn’t have come at a better time. Head of Languages Mrs Scully explained: “This is the fourth year we’ve run this event, and every time it gets better. The pupils are so engaged, they ask great questions and really see the relevance of languages to different jobs.”
Beginning with a presentation from the University of Lancashire’s TESOL lecturer, Karen, about the importance of languages, the day was then split into two parts:
There were three workshops delivered by the Confucius Institute at ULan; two focusing on Chinese language, calligraphy, Tai-chi and traditional painting. The third was a British Sign Language Workshop, led by Ricci, who is hearing impaired. Pupils learned basic signs and communicated with Ricci through an interpreter, sitting in complete silence and showing the utmost respect throughout. This powerful session highlighted that language is not only spoken or written, it can also be visual and inclusive.
The second part was a career speed-dating session which proved very popular. The hall was filled with tables and the Year 9 pupils moved around to engage with each of the visiting professionals. There was a huge range of people available to chat to about their jobs and the importance of different languages to their roles.
Visitors included Sarah Cutts Translation, specialising in Spanish and French legal and commercial documents; Mr and Mrs Taylor, who work in the food and wine industry; and representatives from the Army, who highlighted the strategic importance of language skills.
Pupils also enjoyed interactive sessions such as a drinks tasting with Mrs Bailey, using authentic phrases, and talks from Mrs Day of Penwortham Primary School about her experience of teaching languages.
Finally, Mrs Small, who leads the Japanese Club every Wednesday at Priory, spoke about the opportunities of learning the language and the influence of Japanese companies in the UK.
Feedback from guests was overwhelmingly positive, praising the pupils’ enthusiasm and behaviour. Mrs Scully added: “There was something to grab everyone’s attention, and it really showcased the value of languages beyond the classroom.”
Thank you to our Year 10 pupils who supported the event and made our visitors welcome:
Will B,Catherine C, Thomas E, Phoebe G, AlexisG, Issy T, Zara W, Reese L, Sienna W-M, Saachi R, Megan B, Matthew S.
