A group of Year 9 students from Melbourn Village College have attended the launch of the Language Leaders programme at the University of Cambridge.

The programme, launched at Murray Edwards College, trains keen linguists to deliver lessons to primary school children in the language of their choice.

After a tour of the college, students learnt how important language learning is to the future of the United Kingdom and their own careers.

They were then given an insight into their own personalities and how they can use their strengths to best advantage, as well as a few tips on how to present themselves in the classroom and become reflective teachers of languages.

The day ended on a very positive note with students from different schools, including Melbourn’s Cam Academy Trust partners Comberton and Cambourne Village colleges, working together in teams to solve problems.

Rebecca Griggs said: “I found the trip to Murray Edwards College very educational.

“It helped me to build up confidence to teach younger students. It also taught me what my strengths and weaknesses are as a leader. After our trip I feel ready to be a language leader.”

Ben Woodrow added: “The language leaders day was amazing because not only did it explain how to teach languages, it also explained why languages are so useful”

Molly Taylor commented: “It was a good opportunity to learn skills to be able to teach,” while Milly Bradley said: “It showed me the opportunities you can get with learning a language.”