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Modern Foreign Languages

Learning a foreign language is part of the primary National Curriculum and is a requirement for all children within Key Stage 2. We, at St.Peter’s, have adopted a dual language approach, with lower school (Years 3 and 4) learning French and upper school (Years 5 and 6) learning Spanish. We have taken the decision to teach these two modern foreign languages as our children transfer to a variety of different secondary schools, the majority of which teach either French or Spanish, so this way we prepare children for the next stage in their education wherever they go - as well as preparing them for family holidays in France and Spain, two of the most popular European holiday destinations.

Our aim is to develop the confidence and competence of each child in the foreign language they are learning. Our goal is for them to be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign language learning abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education. Therefore, year 3 and 4 have had the incredible opportunity to begin their language journey with a specialist French teacher, who also adds to the wider curriculum by offering French and Spanish after school clubs. We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities develop solid foundations in key language learning skills - properly preparing them for the next stage of their language learning journey.

           

French/Spanish is taught fortnightly in 30 minute whole class lessons. Languages are taught through stories, songs, poems and rhymes following the objectives of the National Curriculum KS2 languages programme of study. Lessons provide opportunities for speaking and listening, with writing and some reading where relevant. Lessons are interactive and French or Spanish is spoken as much as possible.

To support teachers with their planning and delivery, we are using ‘Language Angels’, which is an interactive scheme of work which motivates and enthuses both staff and children.

To support our teaching and learning of languages, we have weekly language clubs for the children to attend after school run by a qualified language teacher. They enjoy fun and interactive activities including songs, crafts, role -play and games. In these clubs, the children learn about French/Spanish culture and food as well as useful vocabulary and grammar, whilst also practising good speaking skills and pronunciation.