“Conocimiento de lenguas es la puerta a la sabiduría”

“Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom”

Roger Bacon

Intent

At Riverley, we believe in developing a love of learning and appreciation of different languages. In a multi-cultural and linguistically diverse school such as Riverley Primary, many of our children already possess the skills for learning language as over 30 different languages are spoken by our children.

Modern Foreign Languages is an inclusive subject that supports speaking and listening skills helping children to develop their oracy skills in a nurturing and safe environment. It is our intent to provide all of our children with a high-quality education in Spanish (our chosen MFL), which develops their love of learning about other languages and cultures. All pupils will be supported to achieve their full potential by encouraging high expectations and excellent standards in their foreign language learning through facilitating learning experiences. Our ultimate aim being that pupils will feel willing and able to continue studying languages beyond key stage 2 as we promote curious learners who enjoy acquiring new languages.

Implementation

Our MFL content is continuously updated and reviewed annually, creating a dynamic programme of study that is clearly outlined and supported in both long-term and short-term planning. This ensures that the foreign language knowledge of our pupils’ progresses within each academic year and is extended year upon year throughout the primary phase.

The four key language learning skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught and all necessary grammar is delivered in an age-appropriate way across all key stages from EYFS to key stage 1. We begin teaching Spanish in the Early Years as we feel that it increases children’s confidence with acquiring an additional language and can enhance their cognitive development. Our curriculum enables pupils to use and apply their learning in a variety of contexts, laying down solid foundations for future language learning.

We implement the Spanish Curriculum through using a variety of the following approaches:

• Games – in order to develop vocabulary through repetition, reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
• Role-play – these can relate to the situations the children may find themselves in the future
• Action songs and rhymes – to develop phonetic skills, memory skills and to further vocabulary
• Reading and writing quality materials
• The use of ICT to develop communication skills.

Learning an additional language also offers pupils the opportunity to explore relationships between language and identity. Our children develop a better awareness others and embrace cultural differences.

Impact

Our children leave Riverley with a sense of belonging, championing our Riverley values of Creativity, Ambition, Responsibility and Empathy. Our children possess a deep understanding of the Spanish culture and language – creating lifelong language speakers.

Over time, our children have developed sophisticated skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking Spanish. Our children leave understanding the possibilities on offer to them through acquiring additional languages and embracing new cultures. They are well equipped to transfer to KS3 effectively and successfully and will be well prepared to continue and develop their language skills.

Curriculum Documents