Learning a language is more than mastering vocabulary and grammar. It is an opportunity to explore culture, build empathy, and develop skills that serve students long after the classroom.
We sat down with Danielle Le Heron, Head of Languages at OneSchool Global New Zealand, who shared her passion for supporting students on this broader learning journey.
“I was really intrigued by the idea of how students learn at OneSchool Global” she says. “So, I leapt on board, and I haven’t looked back since.”
For Danielle, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching languages is supporting students to broaden their understanding of the world.
“I really like being part of the journey with the students to learn language, learn different cultures and widen their cultural awareness.”
Danielle believes that language learning creates space for students to engage with different perspectives and cultures, helping them to grow into more informed and empathetic global citizens.
Danielle also highlighted the value of the resources available to language teachers at OneSchool, enabling teachers to design engaging learning experiences for students.
“The platforms, the tools, all those things that are available to us [at OSG] really support what we want to achieve as language teachers and improve those outcomes for our students as well.”
She sees this strong support structure as a key reason OneSchool is an appealing place to teach languages, allowing educators to focus on student engagement, progress, and growth.
At OneSchool New Zealand, Danielle is proud of the way the New Zealand curriculum is delivered and embedded in everyday learning.
“At OneSchool New Zealand, we are teaching the New Zealand curriculum and we’re doing it justice.”
Through carefully designed assignments and learning pathways, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop the skills needed to thrive beyond school.
Danielle firmly believes that language learning plays a significant role in developing lifelong learners.
“I really believe that through our assignments, we are developing lifelong learners that can be self-directed. Languages is just one of those supporting subjects that develops the whole student.”
Her insights highlight the broader impact of language education — supporting not only academic achievement, but the development of confident, capable, and curious learners prepared for the future.
About OneSchool Global
OneSchool Global is an independent school network that has more than 8,000 primary and secondary students and 2,000 staff across the globe, in regions including United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Our students come from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church community; however, OneSchool Global is not a religious school and only teaches religion as required in the curriculum.
