Implementation
Children in Years 3 to 6 have weekly Spanish lessons taught by their class teacher, using the on-line programme Languagenut which is aligned to the National Curriculum expectations for Modern Foreign Languages.
At Atwood, we use our judgement on when we introduce language to our children, only doing so after they demonstrate suitable proficiency in other key areas (phonics). For example, in Year 3, we might not start the teaching of Spanish until the spring term if the cohort needs further consolidation to secure their Phonics knowledge and application. In Year 6, we have chosen to teach the Spanish units in a block in summer term in preparation for their transition to secondary school.
At Atwood, it is our aim to give all pupils the opportunity to learn, enjoy and make progress in Spanish. The children are taught within their year group, where they have the opportunity to work as a whole class, individually or in small groups. Depending on the activity, children will work in ‘matched-ability’ or ‘mixed ability’ groups.
At Atwood we are lucky to be subscribed to Languagenut to support our children in their learning of Spanish, both at school and home. Languagenut has a multi-sensory approach to learning Spanish and also makes practising the language fun! This engages and facilitates children’s learning of another language. All our children, Year 3- to 6, and adults have been provided with a login for Languagenut, please contact the Office if you need your children’s login. The link to the Languagenut website can be found below in Curriculum Guidance.
To extend the languages offered at Atwood, both Key Stage 1 and 2 children may also learn French as part of a paid lunchtime club taught by an experienced French speaking tutor.
IMPACT
Within the teaching of MFL at Atwood, the children will become aware that each language structure differs from one to another, and can apply this knowledge within their lessons and outside of the classroom. Through a cross-curricular approach, their language learning will be enriched and they will have gained a deeper understanding of cultural differences.
Their recall of relevant vocabulary through the years will have progressed their ability to formulate simple phrases, engage in simple conversations with increasing confidence and stronger fluency. By the end of their time at Atwood, the children will be equipped with a good grounding in a modern foreign language, with a ‘have a go’ attitude, ready to further develop their language skills in secondary school.
Spanish assessment is ongoing throughout the teaching sequence, referring to the Languagenut scheme of work, and informs teachers’ planning. This assessment is supported by using the end of KS2 statements in the National Curriculum 2014.
