Why we learn Spanish:

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to provide a Spanish curriculum which fosters pupil’s curiosity, deepens their understanding of the world whilst opening them to other cultures and teaches them that they are a necessary part of a multi-cultural society.

At St Mary’s it is our intent to ensure children will:

• be enthusiastic, inquisitive, lifelong learners: we develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. Our curriculum is designed to progressively develop pupil’s skills in Spanish through using and applying a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics

• be good communicators: be able to express their ideas and thoughts in Spanish as they understand and respond to its speakers, both orally and in writing. They will learn to communicate for practical purposes

• be well-rounded, independent and resilient learners with aspirations: we aim for pupils to develop a natural curiosity about languages through their Spanish lessons

• develop their God given talents by being creative: we encourage tolerance and respect for other cultures through learning Spanish

• be responsible citizens who are eager to make a positive contribution to their community and wider society: provide the foundation for learning further languages, broadening pupil’s horizons as we equip pupils to study and work in other countries

           

Mrs Saraci

Spanish Teacher

How we teach Spanish:

Our MFL curriculum is designed to develop not only our children’s language skills, but also their love of learning a language. It progressively develops language skills across each year group. Every child in Key Stage 1&2 at St Mary’s, has access to a 30-minute Spanish lesson weekly. We use ‘Language Angels’ as our main resource; and have mapped our curriculum using this. A Spanish speaking staff member leads these lessons.

The children are given the opportunity to learn a new language, then use and apply it in a range of different scenarios and topics. Children are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games. As their confidence and skill grows, children record their work through pictures, captions and sentences. Lessons are sequenced so that prior learning is considered and there are opportunities for revision of language; grammatical concepts are built into lessons.

Lessons help children to build on prior knowledge alongside the introduction of new skills. After each topic our KS2 pupils complete a speaking, listening, reading and writing assessment so that the teacher can track their progress and the pupils can also understand where they need to improve.

 

As a result…

The impact of our Spanish curriculum is evident in the pupil’s books, floor books in KS1 and through the assessment data and through pupil voice. Outcomes for all groups of pupils within the school are strong. Strong and positive relationships are built between pupils and our Spanish teacher and this ensure classrooms are conducive to learning and success.

Pupils’ progress in Spanish is measured through topic tests. These help both the teacher and pupil to understand their next steps. Adult support is provided where necessary to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, are able to access lessons.

Pupils not only leave St Mary’s knowing how to speak and understand Spanish, but with an appreciation of other languages and cultures. They leave being pupils who are respectful, tolerant; having a thirst for life and learning.

“What I really enjoy about Spanish is you get a chance to learn a new language and if we ever went to Spain we could communicate with people there. It is also so much fun because its not a really hard subject and we can practise with our friends,” - Y5 Student

“One of our subjects is Spanish and we learnt how to say things we have in our classroom like 'un lapiz' is a pencil.” - Y2 Student

"I enjoy learning how to describe the objects which are inside your home in Spanish. I love learning a new language with Mrs Saraci.’ -Y6 Student