Languages and Sciences have both seen declining numbers of students in recent years but when combined together these two subjects form a powerful alliance and a very noteworthy CV, so the challenge is how to get this message across?

One Business Language Champion, Dr Dalida Chouchi from Boots, helped students to see the importance of both subjects when they visited the company before the Easter break.

23 students from the Bulwell Academy in Nottingham, spent a day at Boots where they learned about handling chemicals, testing products, health and safety and the link between languages and science. 

After being shown round the manufacturing site and seeing employees at work, the students were taken to the conference rooms where Dr Chouchi, the Boots scientific adviser, talked about her career and how learning languages alongside sciences helped her to achieve her dreams.

One student commented:

“I was surprised to find out that there are so many people involved in creating an everyday product such as a bottle of shampoo. From the marketing team, the scientists, the production team, the selling team, the packaging and the advertising, everyone needs to participate.” (Jordan, 12)

Teaching staff and the BLC team hope that this visit provided youngsters with the resources to help them make informed career choices and keep up with their language skills.

There are some ideas for teachers to help link science with languages on the Science Across the World website.

For more information on the BLC programme in the East Midlands please visit the RLN East Midlands website.