Young Interpreters: Empowering Students to Lead Through Language Inclusion
By Aspen Heights British School, BSME Member School
This article was featured in the BSME Newsletter 2025-26 | Read the Full Newsletter Here
At Aspen Heights British School, every language is valued and every voice is celebrated. In our diverse international community, language is more than a means of communication; it is a bridge that connects people, builds confidence, and strengthens belonging.
At Aspen Heights British School, part of International Schools Partnership (ISP), our approach to language and inclusion is shaped by the ISP Multilingual Learning (ML) Pillar of Learning. This pillar champions inclusion, equity, and recognition of every learner’s linguistic identity, reflecting ISP’s global commitment to ensuring that multilingual learners feel seen, valued, and supported to succeed across its family of schools.
Through this lens, multilingualism is viewed as a cornerstone of international learning. ISP schools nurture students to learn and communicate confidently in world languages, providing both local and global connections.
At Aspen Heights, this belief comes to life through our Young Interpreters Programme, which empowers multilingual students to use their skills to support others and fosters a culture of care and inclusion across the school.
The students selected for the programme all showed remarkable promise through our English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. When they first joined Aspen Heights British School, many of them spoke little or no English.
Yet, through dedication and the support of our EAL team, they became confident, conversational English speakers within months. Having experienced first-hand what it feels like to be new and finding your voice, they volunteered to train as Young Interpreters to help other students feel the same sense of safety, comfort, and welcome they once received.
So far, Aspen Heights has proudly trained 12 Young Interpreters, and this year we’re excited to expand the programme to welcome 50 new students. Our interpreters are fluent in Arabic, Spanish, Ukrainian, French, Polish, German, Russian, Turkish, and Italian, and they play a vital role in supporting new pupils and families. They offer friendly translation help, ease transitions, and ensure everyone feels welcomed and understood from their very first day.
There are plenty of opportunities for our young leaders to share their languages and celebrate the diversity that makes Aspen Heights British School so special. One such occasion was International Mother Language Day, when the Young Interpreters led storytelling and cultural sessions across the school. Pupils listened in delight as stories and songs were shared in Arabic, Spanish, and French. One student read Goha, a much-loved Arabic folktale, while another sang the traditional Mexican song Cielito Lindo, bringing their culture to life through language and music. Their enthusiasm and confidence inspired others to share words from their own mother tongues, turning the day into a joyful celebration of understanding and belonging.
As Luce, our Italian Young Interpreter, shared:
“When I first joined Aspen Heights, English was difficult for me, but now I can help others feel confident too. It makes me proud to share my language and see everyone learning from each other.”
The Young Interpreters Programme exemplifies Aspen Heights British School’s commitment to community and wellbeing and reflects ISP’s vision for multilingual learners who thrive academically, socially, and globally. By celebrating diversity, nurturing leadership, and embracing every language, we show that kindness truly speaks every language.