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Publications I am very proud to have my work published and acknowledged by my peers. 01 Succeeding as an MFL Teacher This publication, a part of the Bloomsbury Succeeding as a … series. Co-authored by myself and Jennifer Wozniak-Rush, it is the essential companion for language educators striving to inspire, engage, and excel. OUT NOW!!! Read more 02 Teacher Hacks Languages This publication, a part of the John Catt Teacher Hacks series. Co-authored by myself and Sinéad Moxham, it delves into twenty aspects of the curriculum that languages teachers might find challenging to teach. OUT NOW!!! Read more 03 Languages Today As a dedicated member of the Association for Language Learning (ALL) council and also serving as an honorary membership officer (HMO), I have contributed two articles to the ALL Languages Today magazine. One focuses on "Developing Skills of Language Retrieval" (Issue 40) , while the other delves into "Practice Making Better Listeners" (Issue 42) . Read more 04 German Primary Sentence Builders: A lexicogrammar approach: German Sentence Builders German Primary Sentence Builders is a workbook aimed at beginner students, co-authored by six modern languages teachers with over 90 years of extensive classroom experience between them, both in the UK and internationally. Order 05 Effective strategies to support novice and expert learners in MFL: The power of modelling It is a tremendous honour to be recognised as a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Additionally, I am privileged to have had the opportunity to contribute an article to the CCT Impact journal. Titled "Effective Strategies to Support Novice and Expert Learners in MFL: The Power of Modelling," it was published in the online version in issue 16 . Read more

Discover practical language teaching strategies for educators. Equip your classroom with engaging tips and actionable insights. OUT NOW!!! Teacher Hacks Languages A John Catt Publication Orders for this book are available directly from Hachette Learning, Waterstones or Amazon. Hachette Learning Order here Amazon Order here Mission At "Teacher Hacks Languages," our mission is to empower modern language teachers at every stage of their career with some practical strategies and language teaching hacks to overcome the challenges of teaching certain aspects of languages to students in our classrooms. Through our book, we aim to provide useful insights, actionable tips and creative solutions, equipping teachers with the tools they need to support, inspire, and engage their students with the learning process thus enabling them succeed in their language learning journey. We are committed to fostering a supportive community where teachers can share experiences, exchange ideas and continuously enhance their teaching practices for the benefit of both themselves and their students. Vision In our book 'Teacher Hacks Languages,' we aim to explore twenty concepts that pose formidable challenges for world language teachers. Following the ethos of the series, we will encourage self-reflection and share top hacks. Through the integration of scenarios, practical examples and evidence-informed practices, we will strive to offer not only classroom-proven strategies and approaches that are practical and achievable in terms of teacher workload but which have also demonstrated significant impact on students' self-efficacy, engagement, enjoyment, progress and outcomes.

Professional Development for modern languages educators FrauBastowMFL Subject specific professional development, resources, blog and consultancy for language teachers, schools and Trusts. Professional development and resources for language teachers Get in touch What I do ... BLOG I first launched my blog in October 2020, during the pandemic as a way to connect, reflect and grow professionally. What began on the Blogger platform has now evolved into this dedicated space, where all my previous posts have been carefully transferred and curated. This blog is more than just a collection of ideas; it's where I reflect on my own teaching practice, share insights and explore new approaches to language education. It's a space for ongoing professional development and I hope it inspires yours too. CPD FOR TEACHERS & SCHOOLS I’m passionate about delivering high-quality CPD - especially when it’s subject-specific and designed to support language teachers, departments and whole-school language provision. In this section, you’ll find an overview of the CPD programmes and topics I offer, all of which can be tailored to suit your specific context and priorities. RESOURCES Creating engaging, effective resources for my own students has always been a part of my practice and during the pandemic, I began sharing these freely with colleagues to support the wider teaching community in challenging times. What started as a gesture of support has grown into an ongoing commitment. I continue to create and share new content, designed to be practical, purposeful and rooted in classroom experience. About Silvia Bastow I am a teacher, subject leader, blogger, published author, content creator, CPD provider and speaker. I am currently teaching German at Ercall Wood Academy, where I have been the Subject Leader since 2011 and have 23 years of experience teaching languages in the Secondary sector. Learn More “ 🌟 A huge thank you for your amazing coaching and valuable advice! 🙌 Your sessions have been incredibly insightful, and I highly recommend them to anyone aspiring to become a Head of Modern Foreign Languages, or those already in the role seeking fresh perspectives and external dialogue." Patricia Parrouty, Head of French Previous work Be the first to know Subscribe to my exclusive monthly newsletter. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting! Contact

OUT NOW!!! Succeeding as an MFL teacher Bloomsbury Orders for this book are available from Amazon as well as Bloomsbury and all good book stores. Amazon Bloomsbury Mission Our goal is to help Modern Foreign Language teachers gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. "Succeeding as an MFL Teacher" hopes to offer practical, classroom-based, research-informed strategies to inspire engaging and effective teaching. With advice from experienced teachers and real-life examples, this book aims to connect theory with practice, helping colleagues create exciting lessons, develop varied curricula and grow as leaders. Whether you are just starting out or moving into advanced roles, our mission is to support MFL teachers at every stage, empowering them to achieve success and make a positive impact on students’ language learning. Vision Our book, "Succeeding as an MFL Teacher", is designed to empower language teachers with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to inspire their students and succeed in their profession. This resource aims to support and elevate language teaching by offering practical strategies, helpful guidance and professional development tools that address the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching modern foreign languages. Using evidence-informed techniques, real-world examples and professional standards, we hope to enhance the creativity, effectiveness and growth of every language teacher, strengthening the future of language education around the world. Our Contributors Read More We are thrilled to feature contributions from a diverse group of teachers, leaders and educators who will share their case studies in the book. Their real-world examples highlight the practical application of strategies and showcase the meaningful impact these approaches have in authentic educational contexts. Wendy Adeniji Suzi Bewell Elena Díaz Vincent Everett Crista Hazell Adam Lamb Hannah Pinkham Esmeralda Salgado Steve Smith Tracy Williams All contributions are subject to availability and final editorial approval.

Subject specific CPD I am passionate about providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for language teachers, leaders, departments, and educational trusts. Further details regarding each session and access instructions can be obtained by selecting the "Read More" button. Designing effective, rich and well sequenced curriculum This professional development session is designed to guide Subject Leaders in crafting an effective, rich, and well-sequenced curriculum that ensures student success. Participants will explore the key components of curriculum design, focusing on the intent behind the curriculum, its implementation in the classroom, and the resulting impact on student learning outcomes. Read More Targeted In-Person Coaching for Maximising Students GCSE Outcomes This hands-on coaching programme focuses on improving GCSE Modern Language outcomes through in-person visits and tailored support. Together, we'll analyse student data, identify key areas for growth, and design a high-impact action plan with two key strategies. A learning walk will offer deeper insights into the cohort, followed by a progress review four weeks later. You will have my full support every step of the way - let's work together to maximise your students' potential and achieve success! Read More How to be a Head of Languages This professional development session is designed to empower current and aspiring Heads of Language Departments with the skills, strategies, and insights needed to excel in their leadership roles. Participants will explore key areas including organisational effectiveness, strategic delegation, advocacy with senior leaders, curriculum development, student-centred approaches, data-driven decision-making, team management, quality assurance, time management, and change management. Read More Effective questioning in Languages classroom This professional development session is designed to equip language educators with a diverse array of techniques, strategies, and resources to optimise student engagement and proficiency through effective questioning practices. Participants will explore the purpose, types, and methodologies of questioning tailored specifically to the MFL learning environment. Read More Developing spontaneity and fluency in speaking This professional development session is designed to empower language teachers with effective strategies for nurturing students' confidence and proficiency in spoken language. Participants will explore the role of phonics and pronunciation in language acquisition, alongside practical techniques for developing speaking skills through engaging activities and accessible resources. Read More Developing self-efficacy in listening inc. exam preparation This professional development session is designed to empower language educators with an arsenal of techniques, strategies, and resources tailored to enhance listening proficiency - the cornerstone of language acquisition. Participants will delve into the intricate realm of phonics, micro-skills, and innovative activities aimed at nurturing listening comprehension abilities among learners. Read More All students succeeding at language learning / GCSE This professional development session is crafted to equip language teachers with a comprehensive toolkit for fostering academic excellence and achieving a 100% pass rate in GCSE exams by effectively supporting both higher prior attainers and lower prior attainers. Participants will explore the intricacies of memory, learning processes, effective strategies, scaffolded examples, and accessible resources tailored to promote success across proficiency levels. Read More Teaching phonics, vocabulary and grammar This professional development session is designed to equip world language teachers with the knowledge and strategies needed to implement an explicit, well-sequenced, and embedded approach to phonics, vocabulary, and grammar instruction. Participants will explore practical techniques for systematically integrating these elements into language teaching, ensuring comprehensive language acquisition and proficiency. Read More Supporting lower prior attainers / SEND whilst still teaching to the top This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with practical strategies for effectively supporting lower prior attainers while maintaining high expectations and challenging all learners. Participants will explore the intricacies of memory and learning processes, alongside effective strategies and scaffolded examples tailored to develop both productive and receptive langu Read More Teaching and preparing students for the new GCSE This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively teach and prepare students for success in the new GCSE Modern Foreign Languages specification. Participants will explore all elements of the GCSE curriculum, including reading aloud, dictation, photo tasks, extending writing tasks, translation and role-plays, while gaining access to my comprehensive workbook materials for both teachers and students. Read More Scaffolding or Differentiation This professional development session is designed to empower teachers with strategies for supporting diverse learners without imposing limitations on their potential. Participants will delve into the concept of differentiation, debunk common myths surrounding it, and explore practical approaches to fostering a culture of high expectations through scaffolding and effective examples of differentiation. Read More Preparing students for the written exam This professional development session is designed to elucidate the significance of modelling and its diverse applications within language instruction. Participants will explore the transformative impact of live modelling and worked examples, alongside the nuances of different modelling approaches, including live modelling in action and life modelling through metacognitive marking. Read More

Subject specific CPD I am passionate about providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for language teachers, leaders, departments, and educational trusts. Further details regarding each session and access instructions can be obtained by selecting the "Read More" button. Approaches to dictation This professional development session is designed to empower language teachers with creative and engaging strategies for teaching dictation in a holistic manner, ensuring student participation and enjoyment. Participants will explore innovative approaches, interactive games, and engaging activities aimed at making dictation instruction both effective and enjoyable for learners. Read More Developing metacognitive strategies to encourage independent learning This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with high-impact strategies for integrating metacognitive thinking and self-regulation techniques into students' practices. Participants will explore innovative approaches, including metacognitive marking, 'live' modelling, retrieval practice, and student-led strategies such as the Leitner System and Revision Maps, designed to enhance student engagement, comprehension, and language proficiency. Read More Effective classroom management This professional development session is designed to equip teachers, especially ECTs with practical strategies and techniques for mastering effective classroom management. Participants will explore evidence-based approaches to creating a positive and productive learning environment, fostering student engagement, and promoting academic success. Read More Effective feedback, summative and formative assessment This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with effective strategies for assessment and feedback that promote student achievement and progress in language learning. Participants will explore practical approaches, timing considerations, and implementation techniques to ensure that all students receive meaningful feedback and opportunities for growth. Read More Fostering challenge, engagement and motivation This professional development session is designed to empower language teachers with effective strategies for fostering challenge, motivation, and a love for language learning in the classroom. Participants will explore the power of routines, high expectations, and motivational strategies to create an engaging and inspiring learning environment that ignites students' passion for language learning. Read More Successful language teaching to lowest prior attainers and students with SEND This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with effective strategies for teaching to students with the lowest prior attainment and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Participants will explore practical approaches, potential barriers, and inclusive practices to ensure that all students can access and make progress in language learning. Read More

Upcoming events ALL Social Zoom, 25th February 2026, 19.00h online This is a special invitation from ALL members Silvia Bastow and Jennifer Wozniak-Rush talking about their classroom practice as described in their new book Succeeding as an MFL Teacher , which addresses issues for beginner teachers and for those more established. We are inviting a broader range if secondary teachers to join the meeting from 19.00h to enjoy this input. Book Language World, 13th March 2026, 12.10h, Burbage, Leicestershire In this session we will focus on ' Oracy - Speaking a new language is HARD… and that’s okay!' This session examines why speaking in a new language is not just the end goal but one of the most challenging skills for learners to master. Teachers will leave with an appreciation of oracy’s complexity and a toolkit of approaches to make speaking purposeful, engaging and achievable. Book The John Taylor Teaching School Hub, 26th June 2026, 9.30 - 12.45h, DE13 8AZ Teacher Hacks: Languages (MFL) – High Impact Hacks for Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Suitable for language teachers (KS2-KS5), subject leaders, ECTs and non-specialists. Focus on how to use innovative, research-backed strategies to explore: Listening: Building Accurate and Confident Listeners Pre-listening priming through phonics, teaching listening micro-skills and examples of ideas / activities. Speaking: From Supported Practice to Spontaneous Output Sentence manipulation before free talk, speaking ladders and structured progression and constrained output tasks. Reading & Writing: From Text to Independent Production Micro-reading and text deconstruction, read-aloud and teacher modelling, model texts and co-construction and writing from memory. Cost: £85 per participant, including a copy of Teacher Hacks. To book email: j.taylor-perks@jths.co.uk Book

This professional development session is designed to elucidate the significance of modelling and its diverse applications within language instruction. Participants will explore the transformative impact of live modelling and worked examples, alongside the nuances of different modelling approaches, including live modelling in action and life modelling through metacognitive marking. Preparing students for the written exam Book < Back About the Session The Power of Live Modelling and Worked Examples in Language Classrooms: Understanding the Importance and Varieties of Modelling Description: This professional development session is designed to elucidate the significance of modelling and its diverse applications within language instruction. Key Focus Areas: Understanding the Importance of Modelling: Explore the theoretical foundations underpinning modelling as a pedagogical tool, and its profound role in scaffolding learning, fostering comprehension, and enhancing student performance in language acquisition. Exploring Different Types of Modelling: Examine various modelling methodologies employed in language instruction, including live modelling, worked examples, each uniquely tailored to address distinct learning objectives and cognitive processes. Live Modelling in Action: Witness first-hand the dynamic application of live modelling techniques as instructors demonstrate language concepts, strategies, and skills in real-time, providing students with tangible examples and immediate feedback to scaffold their learning journey effectively. Life Modelling through Metacognitive Marking: Explore the transformative potential of metacognitive marking as a form of life modelling, empowering students to engage in reflective thinking, self-assessment, and continuous improvement through systematic feedback and revision. Duration: The session is structured for one hour, followed by an opportunity for Q & A. Additional Benefits: Participants will gain access to resources, including sample activities. Additionally, a downloadable PDF copy of the presentation will be provided for continued professional development and reference. The session can be customised to align with your specific needs, which will be thoroughly addressed during the booking process. Please, inquire about the price.

Who is FrauBastowMFL? Professional background about the founder of the site. About FrauBastowMFL Teacher / Subject Leader / Blogger / Author / Speaker Hi, I’m Silvia Bastow, a German teacher, language lover and experienced MFL leader with 23 years in the classroom (where did the time go?). I did my PGCE back in 2005 and more recently I’ve started branching out into language consultancy too. I’ve got a Master’s in German Linguistics and Literature, and over the years I’ve taken on a range of roles from GCSE examiner and ECTmentor to Specialist Leader in Education. I’m really proud to be part of the Association for Language Learning council, a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and one of the German Expert Mentors in the GIMAGINE project, a brilliant partnership between the Goethe-Institut, NCLE and British Council working to turn things around for language learning in state secondary schools. I love sharing ideas and working with teachers and departments, whether that’s through CPD, conferences or just a good old chat about what works. I’m all about evidence-informed practice and helping students not only succeed, but enjoy learning languages. Education & Experience I’m an experienced subject leader and MFL teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience in secondary schools across England. Along the way, I’ve also taken on roles as a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) for MFL, a GCSE examiner, a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a mentor for both ITE and ECT colleagues. I believe every student deserves an excellent education and that starts with supporting great teaching. I'm passionate about helping language teachers reflect, grow and stay in the classroom, where they can make the biggest difference. My academic background includes a BA in Translation and an MA in German Linguistics and Literature from Prešovská University in Slovakia, as well as QTS from the University of Chester and the NPQLTD from LLSE. Everything I do is grounded in the belief that when we support each other as educators, everyone, teachers and students alike, benefits. Professional Associations I’m a proud member of the Association for Language Learning (ALL) council and one of their Honorary Membership Officers (HMOs) - a voluntary role I carry out to support the language teaching community. I’m also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and serve as a German Expert Mentor (GEM) as part of the GIMAGINE project. Certifications I am: a qualified language teacher with a PGCE in German (University of Chester) a graduate of the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) (LLSE) an ECT Mentor, qualified through Best Practice Network

This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with effective strategies for assessment and feedback that promote student achievement and progress in language learning. Participants will explore practical approaches, timing considerations, and implementation techniques to ensure that all students receive meaningful feedback and opportunities for growth. Effective feedback, summative and formative assessment Book < Back About the Session Enhancing Language Learning Through Effective Assessment and Feedback: Strategies for Success Description: This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with effective strategies for assessment and feedback that promote student achievement and progress in language learning. Key Focus Areas: Purpose of Assessment: Delve into the role of assessment in language learning, including diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment, as well as its impact on student motivation and progress. Explore the importance of aligning assessment practices with learning objectives, standards, and curriculum goals. Effective Assessment Strategies: Develop strategies for designing assessment tasks and activities that accurately measure students' language proficiency, skills, and competencies. Explore methods for incorporating a variety of assessment formats, such as performance tasks - summative assessment, self-assessments, and peer to peer assessment. Timely and Constructive Feedback: Learn techniques for providing timely and constructive feedback that is specific, actionable, and tailored to individual student needs. Explore strategies for fostering a culture of feedback reciprocity, where students are encouraged to reflect on and respond to feedback to drive their own learning. Assessment For Learning: Explore the role of ongoing formative assessment in supporting student learning and progress, including strategies for monitoring student performance, identifying areas for intervention, and adjusting instruction accordingly. Learn how to effectively integrate summative assessments at key milestones to measure student achievement and proficiency levels. Student Ownership of Assessment: Discover approaches for involving students in the assessment process, including goal setting, self-assessment, and reflection activities, to foster autonomy and accountability in their learning journey. Duration: The session is structured for one hour, allowing ample time for interactive demonstrations, collaborative discussions, and exploration of resources. Additional Benefits: Participants will receive access to a range of resources, including sample assessment tasks, feedback templates, and assessment rubrics, to support the implementation of effective assessment and feedback practices in their language classrooms. Additionally, a downloadable PDF copy of the presentation will be provided for continued professional development and reference. The session can be customised to align with your specific needs, which will be thoroughly addressed during the booking process. Please, inquire about the price.

Subject specific CPD, blog and resources for language teachers. Online or In Person CPD Learn more about accessing FrauBastowMFL's CPD training sessions designed for teachers at all stages of their careers by selecting from the options below: CPD sessions 1 Upcoming events CPD sessions 2 Impact Talk Click on the picture to see FrauBastowMFL's available dates.

This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively teach and prepare students for success in the new GCSE Modern Foreign Languages specification. Participants will explore all elements of the GCSE curriculum, including reading aloud, dictation, photo tasks, extending writing tasks, translation and role-plays, while gaining access to my comprehensive workbook materials for both teachers and students. Teaching and preparing students for the new GCSE Book < Back About the Session Excelling in GCSE Modern Foreign Languages: Comprehensive Preparation for Success Description: This professional development session is designed to equip language teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively teach and prepare students for success in the new GCSE Modern Foreign Languages specification. Key Focus Areas: Understanding the New GCSE Modern Foreign Languages Specification: Provide an overview of the key components and assessment criteria of the new GCSE specification, focusing on reading aloud, dictation, photo tasks, and role-plays. Explore the cognitive and linguistic skills required for success in each element of the GCSE examination. Teaching Reading Aloud and Dictation: Discuss effective strategies for teaching reading aloud, including pronunciation, intonation, and fluency, to enhance students' oral communication skills. Explore techniques for teaching dictation, including listening comprehension, spelling, and grammar, to improve students' accuracy and writing skills. Mastering Photo Tasks: Provide guidance on how to approach photo tasks effectively, including analysing visual stimuli, generating ideas, and structuring responses to demonstrate comprehension and cultural understanding. Explore strategies for integrating photo tasks into classroom activities and assessments to develop students' interpretative skills and critical thinking. Approaches to Role-Plays: Discuss techniques for preparing students for role-plays, including vocabulary building, scenario practice, and cultural awareness, to enhance their ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations. Provide examples of role-play scenarios and strategies for guiding students through the role-play process, from preparation to performance. Mastering the extended writing tasks and translation Duration: The session is structured for one hour, allowing ample time for interactive demonstrations, collaborative discussions, and exploration of resources. Additional Benefits: Participants will receive access to a range of resources to support the implementation of effective teaching and preparation strategies for the new GCSE Modern Foreign Languages specification. Additionally, a downloadable PDF copy of the presentation will be provided for continued professional development and reference. The session can be customised to align with your specific needs, which will be thoroughly addressed during the booking process. Please, inquire about the price.