15 August 2025
At the School Muster in Week 2, students were invited to pause and reflect on two simple but powerful questions:
What percentage of the world’s population do you think don’t have English as their first language?
And what percentage do you think don’t speak English at all?
After a moment of quiet thinking, some surprising statistics were shared.
Only around 5-10% of the world’s population speaks English as a first language – that means over 90% of people globally do not. And while English is widely taught and used around the world, about 75% of the global population doesn’t speak English at all.
This is more than a linguistic fact. It’s a reminder of the immense diversity in our world, and the importance of being able to communicate across languages and cultures. Learning a language is not just about vocabulary or grammar – it’s about the relationships it builds, the opportunities it unlocks, and the person it helps you become.
To illustrate this message, Mr Conner Henry, our Head of Basketball and former NBA player, shared his own powerful story of how language transformed his life and career.
Mr Henry spoke of his journey playing professional basketball in Europe – Spain, Italy, France and Greece. It began with a contract from Valencia Basket in Spain that included an unexpected clause: he was required to learn Spanish to earn his salary. Despite initial nerves, he embraced the challenge, committing to six months of language learning.
Three months in, he was holding conversations with coaches, teammates and club officials in Spanish. But more than that, he began dreaming in Spanish and forming deeper relationships in his new home.
When his time in Spain ended, Mr Henry was invited to a farewell dinner by his coach, Manu Moreno – a man who had always communicated with him in Spanish. That night, for the first time, Manu spoke in perfect English. He explained that requiring Mr Henry to learn the language had been about more than basketball, it had been about helping him grow into the person he was meant to become.
It was a powerful moment, one filled with trust, transformation and the kind of growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Mr Henry’s message to students was clear:
“Embrace the language you’re learning, not just for class, but for the incredible opportunities it can create for you in the future.”
Whether it’s building global friendships, unlocking career doors, or expanding your view of the world, language is a bridge. And in a world where most people don’t speak English, it’s more important than ever to think globally, connect meaningfully and grow with curiosity and courage.
As Mr Henry concluded, echoing the words of our Headmaster:
“Let’s get the boys thinking globally, and not just about 5069.”
Mr Henry’s Muster speech: Watch Now
