Languages

Vision

We believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for pupils. Through our language curriculum we endeavour to develop children’s skills, resilience and confidence so that they can participate in an increasingly global society and communicate with others effectively, especially when this communication is difficult or there is a barrier. We strive to grow children’s curiosity and foster an eagerness to explore different languages and cultures, which will last a lifetime.

Rationale

The choices we have made within our languages curriculum will develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works, and explore differences and similarities between the foreign language and English. The learning of a modern foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the children. It raises awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world and introduces an international dimension to children’s learning, giving them an insight into their own culture and those of others.

We believe that learning a language is often the first step in developing a more open-minded attitude to the world, recognising that people live differently in other countries, and that this difference can be positive. Ultimately, our curriculum is intended to ensure that as children move on to their next stage of learning, they have a sound basic knowledge of some linguistic structures and associated vocabulary and, most importantly, enthusiasm to learn more.

Children will know languages both as a discipline to be studied and as a field of knowledge that can shape their outlook now and in the future. In addition, they will understand the role of linguists, appreciating their contributions, knowing that they could, should they wish to, have a career in this area in the future. They will recognise and appreciate how languages can affect the future on a personal, national and global level.

Programme

We teach Spanish using the ‘La Jolie Ronde’ programme of study which has been written in accordance with the National Curriculum aims and subject content.  Areas covered include: numbers, greetings, colours, food and drink, classroom instructions, days of the week and family. The programme and its resources enable us to teach children in a fun and interactive way, so that they can develop communication skills that lay the foundation for future language learning.