At Castle Primary School, we believe that a high-quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. We are committed to enabling children to explore another language, enabling them to interpret, create and exchange meaning across cultures, while equipping them with skills which will open up further opportunities for them in the future. Our approach to modern foreign languages is underpinned by our learning intentions: independent, resilient and empathetic learners.
At Castle Primary School, the teaching of Spanish aims to provide a ‘balance of spoken and written language’ that should ‘lay the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3’ (National Curriculum, 2013). We aim to ensure that all children:
Children gain independence through oral partner work, trying out new phrases and vocabulary together. Lessons foster a ‘have-a-go’ atmosphere, where mistakes are valued as the path to greater understanding, leading to stronger resilience. By gaining a deeper understanding of a global language like Spanish, children develop empathy with other countries and cultures, both near and far thus supporting their self-esteem we aim to create empathetic learners.
Children are introduced to Spanish from an early. Lessons support the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
In typical Spanish sessions, children
…are taught to listen attentively to new spoken language and learn how to respond, joining in with songs, rhymes and games
…spend time consolidating and reinforcing their understanding of key vocabulary, including colour, number and basic greetings
…have the opportunity to engage in conversational Spanish, talking about themselves, their likes and dislikes, as well as asking and answering questions.
Our languages curriculum ensures children develop their knowledge of different languages. Varied learning experiences, including the annual celebration of the European Day of Languages also ensure that languages are celebrated throughout the school community, providing a context for language learning.
Through ensuring an emphasis on oracy, developing speaking and listening skills in particular, and the use of filming equipment, children have the opportunity to record and reflect on their learning, making them more competent and confident linguists. The children enjoy their Spanish sessions, and have plenty of opportunities to develop their independence, resilience and empathy.
It is important in the Early Years stage of schooling to give children a broad, play-based experience of different cultures from around the world. They use continuous provision as a means to develop their independence and curiosity of a variety of areas including different cultures and their languages. We seek and create opportunities to encourage children to explore our world to gain a greater understanding of diverse cultures from an early age.
