¡Los niños de Meadlands (KS2) aprenden español! - Children at Meadlands (KS2) learn Spanish!

Intent

The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience through which children develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. Children develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between English and another language.

Learning another language raises awareness of the multicultural and multilingual world and enhances the international dimension to children’s learning, giving them insight into the cultures of others. Meadlands has a rich cultural diversity and the learning of a language provides opportunities to celebrate and learn from peers.

Implementation

At Meadlands, Spanish is taught from years 3 to 6 by class teachers. We use the Early Start scheme “Tu y Yo” primarily but add to this using a range of resources and schemes. 

A variety of techniques are used to encourage the children to engage with the language including games, role play, singing and dance. In lower KS2, children acquire basic skills and understanding in Spanish with a strong emphasis placed on developing their speaking and listening ability. These will be further developed in upper KS2 alongside reading and writing skills, gradually progressing to more complex language concepts and greater learner autonomy.

A multi-sensory and kinaesthetic approach to teaching is used including videos, games and songs to reinforce memory. Lessons are planned to be as enjoyable as possible so that the children develop a positive attitude to the learning of a foreign language.

Yearly Overviews

Spanish speaking significant individuals

Examples of work

Awaiting content

IMPACT

Early exposure to foreign languages benefits children in all aspects of their schooling, while also ensuring that foundations are laid for future language learning.

By the end of key Stage 2, children will have been taught to:

• listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
• explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
• engage in conversations, ask and answer questions, express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help
• speak in sentences using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that other understand
• present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
• read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
• appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in Spanish
• broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words
• write phrases from memory; adapt these to create new sentences
• describe people, places and things orally and in writing
• understand basic grammar including gender and agreement, conjugation of basic verbs and then to be able to build sentences, understanding how these differ, or are similar to, English.