Our Vision for Languages
MFL Curriculum Map
MFL Progression Map
At SS Philip and James’ Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.
From September 2014, Languages have been a statutory part of the National Curriculum at KS2 and above. SS Philip and James’ Primary School recognises the value of this initiative and provides age-appropriate Primary Languages learning opportunities for all children throughout the school. The focus language in our school is Spanish.
The aims of Primary Languages teaching at Phil & Jim are:
- to foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to other languages in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils
- to stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and creativity in experimenting with it
- to support the wider curriculum by developing independent questioning learners
- to help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences
- to lay the foundations for future language study by pupils
- to provide an added perspective on first language teaching and learning
- to give an extra dimension to teaching and learning across the curriculum
The learning and teaching of languages.
The Languages Programme of Study sets out the expectations for ‘substantial progress’ by the end of KS2 covering listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar.
At SS Philip and James’ School we try to integrate language learning into everyday school life, with teachers, teaching assistants and children using and experimenting with their knowledge of different languages whenever the opportunity arises. We foster a problem-solving approach, giving children opportunities to work out language use for themselves in a supportive context where risk-taking and creativity are encouraged, and there is an emphasis on having fun with the new language. ICT is used where appropriate to enhance teaching and learning.
How do children learn?
There are three contexts in which language teaching and learning takes place:
1. Discrete language lessons in KS2
2. Language embedded in other lessons (cross curricular activities)
3. ‘Incidental language’ (e.g. as part of school routines)
What do children learn?
In Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils follow a programme based on songs, stories, rhymes and simple activities. These activities introduce pupils to basic vocabulary and the sounds of languages whilst offering opportunities to learn about the culture of other countries. Additional activities linked to topics are also included where appropriate.
In Key Stage 2 pupils follow the Language Angels scheme of work adapted to suit our school. It is design to be delivered by non-specialist teachers and develop an excellent foundation in Spanish and language learning in general. It introduces the children to basic concepts of how Spanish works in an age-appropriate way, learning a small amount well. Throughout the four years of KS2 children will learn songs, rhymes and stories as well as participating in role play, writing texts of varying lengths and for a variety of purposes, and speaking Spanish in a variety of contexts. Additional activities linked to topics and in support of Literacy and Maths skills are also added where appropriate, and pupils are always encouraged to make connections between Spanish and languages that they speak or with which they are familiar.
For more information, please contact the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Coordinator, Ms Buxton, via the school office.