Inspiring the Next Generation: How College Students Are Bringing Languages to Primary Schools

Language learning in Wales has been in decline for many years, particularly in further education.

In 2024, only 10.34% of learners sitting GCSEs sat a GCSE in French, German or Spanish (StatsWales). This lack of continued engagement threatens not only individual opportunities but also the development of cohesive communities and Wales’ ability to tackle global challenges.

The new Curriculum for Wales seeks to address these challenges, introducing languages earlier and taking a more multilingual approach in an effort to capitalise on learner interest and curiosity.

In addition to this, Routes Cymru—a pan-Wales collaborative outreach project co-ordinated nationally by Cardiff University —launched an initiative to raise the profile of international languages in schools. It aims to inspire younger students, boost enthusiasm for languages, and create a pipeline of future language learners through a pupil-focussed programme of enriching activities and events.

Students Lead the Way

Undergraduate students of Languages are trained to give motivational talks in schools and encourage young learners in years 7-9 to inspire their peers and share the advantages of language learning.

Peer-to-peer support offered through these models successfully change attitudes towards language learning. With funding received from the South Wales Civic Engagement Partnership, this model was extended to further education sector.

Alongside Cardiff & Vale College, The College Merthyr Tydfil, Coleg y Cymoedd and Coleg Gwent, the project enabled undergraduate Student Language Ambassadors to train college students to become College Languages Ambassadors to share positive messages both within the colleges, and by partnering with local primary schools.

Armed with engaging, culture-rich language taster sessions, the college students visited seven primary schools, delivering 27 interactive sessions to learners in years 5 and 6 designed to spark curiosity and excitement about languages. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with primary school pupils gaining a fresh perspective on the importance of languages and how they connect to the wider world.

Building Confidence and Skills for the Future

For many of the college students, this was their first real work experience opportunity—one that helped them develop valuable skills in communication, presentation, and problem-solving. The experience not only enhanced their confidence but also gave them a competitive edge for future employment or higher education.

By empowering young learners and providing college students with meaningful, skill-building experiences, this initiative is helping to reignite enthusiasm for language learning in Wales—one classroom at a time.

Find out more about Routes into Languages Cymru at Llwybrau at Ieithoedd Cymru Routes into Languages Cymru.