Please introduce yourself to us, sharing a bit about your background, your role at RSJ and how you came to be the head of EAL.
The slow purr of classic 1950s Cadillacs mixed with the sound of waves breaking on the Malecón; it was a sultry evening in Havana and the night I knew I wanted to make learning languages and traveling two of my biggest life long passions. A quarter of a century later, and after adding Mandarin along with Spanish to my list of languages, I find myself in Japan as the Head of EAL in one of the fastest growing and most exciting British international schools in the world.
For most of my twenties I was lucky enough to travel the length and breadth of China as a travel editor and later tour guide, before returning to my native London to train as a teacher. In London and Essex I worked first as an MFL and EAL teacher and soon found I had a real passion for EAL – both teaching English and promoting multilingualism in education.
What are some of the most significant cognitive and academic benefits you see in children who successfully speak two or more languages?
As Head of EAL, I see every day how multilingualism enriches a child’s learning and development. Children who are able to use two or more languages with confidence gain a wide range of cognitive and academic benefits that extend well beyond language itself.
How does bilingualism build problem solvers?
One of the most noticeable advantages is their ability to solve problems and think critically. Moving between languages helps pupils to develop flexible thinking, enabling them to spot patterns, make connections, and approach challenges from different angles. Their memory and attention also tend to be strengthened, as the daily practice of using more than one language trains the brain to manage and store information efficiently.
What is the Multilingual Advantage?
Multilingual children often develop a heightened sensitivity to communication. They become more aware of how language works, noticing tone, nuance, and meaning in ways that support their reading, listening, and speaking skills. This awareness, in turn, contributes to academic resilience. Pupils who navigate more than one language build strategies for understanding complex material, which benefits them across all subjects, including maths, science, and the humanities.
Finally, the cultural awareness that comes with multilingualism cannot be overstated. The ability to move between languages allows children to engage with different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy, open-mindedness, and strong collaboration skills within diverse communities.
In short, pupils who speak two or more languages are not only broadening their communication skills, they are also strengthening the very foundations of learning that help them thrive both in school and beyond.
For parents who are not fluent in English, what are the best ways they can still support their child’s learning within an English-speaking school system?
You don’t need to speak perfect English to help your child succeed at school. In fact, there are many simple and powerful ways you can support them at home:
- Use your strongest language. Talking, reading, and writing with your child in the language you know best helps build strong thinking and literacy skills. These skills transfer into English and other subjects.
- Show interest in schoolwork. Ask your child to explain what they are learning. They can tell you in your shared language or in English – either way, the act of explaining strengthens their understanding.
- Encourage daily reading. Let them read in English, in your home language, or both. What matters most is that they develop a habit of reading for meaning and enjoyment.
- Stay connected with school. Even if you don’t feel confident in English, try to read school messages. Use translation apps, ask another parent, or contact the EAL department – we are here to help.
- Celebrate your language and culture. Share stories, traditions, and experiences in your own language. When children feel proud of who they are, they are more confident learners in English.
The most important message is that your support and encouragement matter far more than the language you use. By showing interest, setting routines, and celebrating learning, you are giving your child the best possible foundation for success.
How does the school’s EAL department ensure that support is not just about language proficiency, but also about academic access across all subjects?
At RSJ the EAL department embraces the Whole Person Whole Point ethos of our multilingual learners. In addition to general English support to those pupils still developing their language skills, the department also trains subject teachers through online and in person CPD on the importance of scaffolding learning for pupils of varying English proficiency levels and using translanguaging techniques to allow, for example, pupils to draft their answer in their own language first.
What are the most common myths or fears parents have about raising a bilingual child?
Many parents worry about the effects of raising a bilingual child, and there are several common myths that can cause concern.
Debunking the Myths: One of the most widespread is the idea that learning two languages will confuse a child. In reality, while bilingual children may sometimes mix languages when speaking, this is a normal part of development and shows flexibility, not confusion. Over time, they learn how and when to use each language appropriately.
Confusion, Delay, or Advantage?: Another common fear is that bilingualism will delay speech development. Research consistently shows that children learning two languages reach the same speech milestones as those learning one. Their vocabulary may be spread across both languages, but their overall development is not slowed. In fact, a strong foundation in the home language actually supports English learning, because it strengthens literacy and thinking skills.
Separating Fact from Fear in Bilingual Development: Some families also believe that it is best to focus on English first and return to the home language later. In practice, children can learn two languages at the same time without harm. Delaying or neglecting the home language can make it harder for children to communicate fully with family members and may cause them to lose an important part of their identity. Maintaining the home language alongside English not only preserves family bonds but also provides emotional security and academic benefits.
There is also a misconception that older children cannot become bilingual if they did not start from birth. While the learning process may look different for older learners, they can still achieve a high level of proficiency with regular practice and exposure.
In short, bilingualism is not a barrier to success in an English-speaking school system. On the contrary, it is a gift that enhances children’s ability to communicate, strengthens their learning, and allows them to connect with more than one culture and community.
What is your most important piece of advice for parents who want to ensure their child carries the gift of bilingualism into adulthood?
If I could give just one piece of advice to parents, it would be this: keep using and valuing your home language every day as your child grows.
Bilingualism is like a muscle – if it isn’t used, it weakens over time. Many children become fluent in two languages when they are young, but if one of those languages is not consistently practised, it can fade as they get older. The best way to protect against this is to make your home language a natural, living part of family life: tell stories, share traditions, talk about feelings, and have real conversations in that language.
When children see that their parents take pride in their language and culture, they learn to value it too. That pride makes them more likely to carry bilingualism confidently into adulthood, rather than seeing it as something temporary or less important than English.
So the key is not perfection, but consistency. Even if your child answers you in English sometimes, keep speaking your home language with them. Celebrate both languages as gifts. By doing so, you’re giving your child something that will stay with them for life: the ability to think, communicate, and belong in more than one world.
