Zack Ekert, Head of Multilingualism at the International School of London, shares pioneering approaches for harnessing the 'superpower' of multilingualism
In today’s globalised education landscape, educators and school leaders are increasingly tasked with supporting students as they transition across cultures and languages. Multilingualism is not just a valuable tool to help with this transition; in fact, it is essential for fostering academic, social, and emotional success. Schools like the International School of London (ISL) have developed pioneering approaches that provide important lessons for educators across all sectors looking to empower multilingual learners in increasingly diverse classrooms.
Multilingualism: A Cognitive and Cultural Superpower
Multilingualism offers more than just the ability to communicate in different languages—it is a cognitive and cultural advantage that benefits students in numerous ways. Research shows that children who speak multiple languages develop stronger problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures (Curry & Lillis, 2024). These skills are vital in classrooms where students must navigate new languages, cultural norms, and social dynamics. Schools like ISL, which embed multilingualism deeply into their curriculum, allow students to harness this “superpower” to succeed both academically and socially.
Schools like ISL, which embed multilingualism deeply into their curriculum, allow students to harness this “superpower” to succeed both academically and socially.
Embedding multilingualism into a school’s ethos isn’t just about teaching languages—it is about building an inclusive environment where language diversity is celebrated. This approach fosters a community that not only supports academic growth but also enhances students’ global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding.
Key Elements of an Effective Multilingual Programme
1. EAL/EFL as an Academic Subject, Not an Add-On
An effective multilingual programme treats English as an academic subject that students can excel in without putting it on a pedestal. At ISL, we ensure that English as an Additional Language (EAL) is integrated as a core subject, not a supplemental one, giving it the academic focus it deserves. In fact, we avoid the label “additional” entirely; we refer to the programme as English Language Learning instead.
However, English is not the dominant or exclusive language; students are encouraged to embrace linguistic diversity, developing fluency in both their home language and English without sacrificing either. This balanced approach, reflected in a fair and equitable timetable and resource-allocation, helps to create a more inclusive and globally-minded curriculum, where English is a tool, not a barrier.
2. Home Languages as an Academic Priority
Supporting students’ home languages is vital for their emotional well-being and sense of identity. In ISL’s Home Language Programme, 24 home languages are taught as integral parts of the curriculum. Home languages are treated with the same academic rigour as any other subject, delivered by language & literature teachers of that language, ensuring they are not seen as afterthoughts or add-ons. This approach helps students develop pride in their cultural and linguistic heritage, building self-esteem and a strong sense of belonging. We do this because respecting and nurturing students’ linguistic roots fosters a holistic educational experience, allowing students to flourish academically while retaining their cultural identity (Csata & Marácz, 2021).
3. Engage the School Community in Language Learning
For a multilingual programme to thrive, foreign languages should be taught in a way that actively involves the school’s community. At ISL, native speakers of the languages being taught—whether they are students, teachers, or staff—are integrated, in any way possible, into the learning process. This creates a collaborative and immersive environment that makes language learning more interactive, fun, and relevant.
For example, language workshops, cultural events, exchanges and interactive sessions are designed to involve native speakers, enhancing the authenticity and practical use of language learning. This collaborative model helps students see language not just as a subject but as a living, breathing part of their community.
4. Perseverance in Language Education
Learning languages is complex, but the long-term benefits are immeasurable. As educators, we must encourage students, teachers, and parents to persist in their language education journey. Multilingualism is worth the effort—students who maintain and develop their linguistic skills enjoy better cognitive outcomes and are better prepared for global opportunities in their future careers (Louf et al., 2021). At ISL, we emphasise that perseverance is key, and the rewards of multilingual education, both academically and socially, are well worth the investment.
Multilingualism is key to unlocking students’ potential in an increasingly interconnected world. Schools like the International School of London demonstrate how an integrated, inclusive multilingual curriculum can foster academic success, emotional well-being, and cultural identity. By integrating multilingualism into school culture, educators can prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a truly globalised future.
References
Curry, M. J., & Lillis, T. (2024). Multilingualism in academic writing for publication: Putting English in its place. Cambridge University Press.
Csata, Z., & Marácz, L. (2021). Social inclusion and multilingualism: Linguistic justice and language policy. Social Inclusion.
Louf, T., Sánchez, D., & Ramasco, J. J. (2021). Capturing the diversity of multilingual societies. Physical Review Research.
