Why are Modern Foreign Languages important in our school?

At Sudley Primary School, we have elected to teach Spanish as our modern foreign language at key Stage 2. We aim for all children to make substantial progress and to lay the foundations for further study of languages at Key Stage 3. We want children to consider learning a new language a fun and useful skill so that they are enthusiastic and motivated for further study.

What are the aims of teaching Spanish? 

The primary aim of teaching Spanish will be on practical communication. At Sudley Primary School, there is a belief that the acquisition of a language is part of a broader curriculum involving language and culture. We believe that the skills, knowledge and understanding gained through our Spanish curriculum play a major contribution to the development of children’s oracy and literacy and to their understanding of their own culture/s and those of others. We hope that children feel confident to use and apply their skills in a range of different contexts in school and wider life, should the opportunity arise.

How is Spanish taught in our school?  

Spanish is taught biweekly and the lessons are ambitious and aim to challenge and inspire, as well as enable children to become competent and confident linguists. All pupils are taught the Spanish curriculum and as they progress through the school, they build on their knowledge and prior learning through a carefully planned and sequenced curriculum. Importantly these end points have been broken down into small manageable chunks. The children are consistently exposed to the spoken Spanish word and are encouraged to use this in their everyday language. The lessons are very practical and involve games and singing. 

What will the children get from the teaching of Spanish?  

Children will be able to communicate in Spanish in and out of the classroom. They will be able to use greetings and farewells in and around school. They will apply their prior knowledge as they progress through school. Each year the key vocabulary is reviewed and prior knowledge built upon so that the children can remember and do more over time.