We can waste an awful lot of time on social media because of the engaging, even addictive, nature of platforms like Tiktok. But teachers are now exploiting these qualities for learning languages.
Young people from working class backgrounds in socially deprived areas are far less likely to choose, or have the opportunity, to study languages at secondary school, than their more affluent peers.
There is usually a historical reason why schools teach certain languages. But as new economies emerge, such languages may no longer be the best ones to learn.
From 2016, students will be able to study Aboriginal languages in high schools in New South Wales – but a clause in the design of the course means grades will not contribute towards ATARs.