MFL

All pupils at Bank End Primary Academy have the right to a rich and deep learning experience that includes the learning of the basics of an additional language. The study of Languages prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly carried out in languages other than English. Language learning provides liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. children an opportunity to communicate in another language, which they can ultimately use in the real world. It also enables the children to develop early language acquisition skills that facilitate their understanding of the patterns of language and how these differ from or are similar to English. It helps them to develop communication skills, including the key skills of speaking and listening, and extends their knowledge of how language works. Pupils use language to communicate information responsibly and creatively; learning how to use languages to enable access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures across our school and wider demographic. In addition, understanding a modern foreign language increases a child’s understanding of their own language, and the building blocks which form this. The process of learning a foreign language reinforces fluency and understanding of grammar, syntax, sentence structure and verbal precision. Increased capability in the use of languages can also promote initiative and independent learning and encourages diversity within society.

We teach a curriculum that enables our pupils to become effective users of language, and show an understanding and respect of different cultures in our local, national and global communities. Through the teaching of Spanish at Bank End, we aim to:

Ensure every child has the opportunity, throughout Key Stage 2, to study Spanish as a foreign language.
Develop their interest in the culture of other nations, communities and beliefs.
Ensure pupils have access to high-quality teaching and learning opportunities.
Ensure pupils have exposure to simple commands including day-to-day Spanish language, including days, months, numbers and classroom instructions.
Ensure pupils develop an increased wider cultural understanding through our enriched and varied curriculum to which languages contribute.
Provide language informed by the National Curriculum and the skills expressed in this: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Cultural Understanding.

Implementation

Teachers are provided with an additional three planning days throughout the year to supplement their planning, preparation and assessment time to plan their curriculum. Within their planning time, teachers have access to a comprehensive scheme of work –‘Hola’– which covers all aspects of the MFL curriculum: speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural understanding, and progresses these skills and knowledge throughout Key Stage 2. Activities can consist of actions, rhymes, stories, song, drama, grammar focus, video clips, air writing, sentence structure, dictionary work and many more creative ways to extend, embed and combine language skills.

Teachers and pupils use Spanish in daily routines, for example, through answering the register and displaying the Spanish date within the classroom.

Impact

Our MFL curriculum is fun and enjoyed by learners, well-resourced and planned to demonstrate progression through Key Stage 2. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through:

Pupil discussions about their learning.
Monitoring and reflection against subject-specific skills defined in each year of study.
Children applying their knowledge of language to other areas of the curriculum.
Children applying their cultural understanding and tolerance across society and cultures.

Our MFL curriculum is planned in a way that generates interest and excitement about learning the Spanish language which will support our children to shine as tolerant and unprejudiced adults in our diverse and vibrant world. Our MFL curriculum is planned in a way that promotes cultural understanding and cultural capital for all children. Children will be exposed to a wide range of experiences that will enhance their skills and provide them with knowledge about a wider range of cultures. This will be delivered through the use of native guest speakers, an investigation of countries which speak the Spanish language and where they are located in the world plus a Spanish themed day/evening event where our children can experience Spanish music, food, dance and traditions.

MFL LTP