Young Interpreters

At Albany Junior School, we are delighted that we have had an increase of children joining us from other countries and speaking a wide variety of languages- at last count there were 14 different languages other than English which were some children's first language. This means we are a richer and more diverse community- this is an exciting development for our school :-)

Included in these languages are Cantonese, Malayalam, Hungarian, Persian, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Shona, Polish- to name a few.... as well as every child having the opportunity to learn Spanish.

Additionally, we recognise that for some joining our school from another language with different experiences of the English language can be daunting and initially uncomfortable. We want every child in our community to feel safe, secure and happy so they can thrive, achieve and be happy.  

In order to support this, some children (initially who speak English as a foreign language) have been trained to be a Young Interpreter. They are buddied up in groups with other children who speak English as a foreign language in order to support each other and develop friendships- some with those speaking the same additional language and some who do not....

Who are our Young Interpreters at Albany Junior School?

Currently we have:

Vincy and Kinnex in Year 6

Liia, Jonathan, Julia and Sarah in Year 5

Samuel in Year 4 

They all had to take part in 4 sessions of training to be able to take this role.

Up to now they have additionally had the opportunity to record a poem or piece of writing in a foreign language and have had a tea party with other children who have and additional language. Lunches together are next SO WATCH THIS SPACE...

Pupil voice questionnaires have taken place and results will be analysed in the next meeting.....