Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Language – Spanish
At Park Hall Academy it is our intent that all key stage 2 children will have been taught the skills to communicate at a basic knowledge in one Modern Foreign Language (Spanish) and be able to transfer these skills to other languages as they encounter them. Learning a language not only equips children with the knowledge and cultural capital to succeed in life, it also encourages them to appreciate and celebrate difference. As the world becomes smaller, it becomes more important to be able to communicate with people of other cultures and skills.
Our learners will become linguists through high quality learning & teaching. The curriculum is carefully planned using ‘Language Angels’ – a primary foreign language teaching programme is in line with the recommendations of the National Curriculum and the requirements outlined in the Department for Education Languages Programme of Study for Key Stage 2.
Our teaching approach is designed to motivate, captivate and interest learners from the first moment through varied learning activities and styles. Lessons are often cross-curricular enabling learners to identify links with topics studied across other areas of the curriculum – assisting learners in making connections and committing learning to their long term memory. Our linguists have opportunities to learn and perform songs and raps as well as participate in interactive games to further consolidate their learning whilst remaining engaged.
Learners are supported to develop and demonstrate substantial progress in the five key language skills necessary for learning (speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar). We aim to ensure that pupils of all abilities are able to develop solid foundations in these key language skills and are prepared for the next stage of their language learning journey. This is achieved through careful consideration of the three pillars of progression (phonics, vocabulary and grammar) when planning language lessons.
It is important for children to study a language as it opens their minds; opens doors of opportunity; and helps them to develop a deep cultural awareness of the heritage of other countries. We believe that children should be passionate, curious and confident about their own foreign learning language abilities when they finish the primary school phase of their education, and that they can leave us with a strong base for future language studies.
Intent
- We aim to ensure that our linguists are able to think, communicate (using their linguists Passport of vocabulary) and aspire to be expert and fluent linguists.
- We seek to develop expert linguists who are excited and enthused by an ambitious curriculum which enables them to know more, learn more and remember more. We seek to inspire our linguists along their journey of cultural exploration to become experts. Our linguists will enhance their subject knowledge, by reading and exploring a range of Spanish stories and texts, reading to learn across the curriculum. We have the highest expectations for ALL learners and ALL access the full curriculum offer.
- We aim for our linguists to be proficient in the three pillars of progression, phonics, grammar and vocabulary.
- Together we strive to develop confident, articulate and fluent Spanish speakers, who are able to apply their knowledge of languages to converse in dialogue both orally and in writing.
- We aim for learners to be curious and engage in explorations and discovery appreciating cultural diversity and building cultural capital.
- Our learners will hear, read and respond with confidence both orally and in writing as they utilise authentic sources and models.
Implementation
Our inspiring and aspirational MFL curriculum (based on the National Curriculum) is meticulously planned to identify the knowledge and skills that our linguists will aquire. Each small step in our linguists journey has been carefully planned to ensure a challenging and progressive curriculum to meet the needs of all learners.
Linguists will regularly revisit key concepts (over learning) and engage in regular retrieval practice which builds upon prior knowledge and enables them to make connections to deepen their understanding of new learning, committing this to long term memory.
Sequential and progressive teaching & learning develops linguists phonetic knowledge. Linguists receive explicit instruction. Phonemes are taught explicitly in lessons and revisited multiple times through songs and games.
Linguists can apply phonic knowledge to read, decode and support accurate pronunciation as they listen to models and read and decode the spanish language together. They use prior phonic knowledge to develop new learning.
Through the recognition and recall of phonemes, linguists are able to read more, learn more and understand more of what they have read.
Linguists engage in regular retrieval practice to commit knowledge to long term memory to reduce cognitive overload and increase fluency. Opportunities to practice use of the language improves knowledge.
Planned and purposeful progression of the acquiring of language means that knowledge and fluency become more automatic and accessible throughout the learning journey.
The explicit teaching of grammar enables linguists to learn how to structure spoken and written language. Retrieval practice and over learning allows learning to be committed to long term memory and supports fluency, allowing linguists to apply learning to increasingly complex structures and concepts.
Fluency leads to automaticity as linguists practice grammatical structures in a range of creative contexts.
Regular practise and retrieval of the carefully selected vocabulary allows linguists to consolidate core vocabulary, gradually expanding their range of language. This enables linguists to be able to know more, say more and write more.
Scaffolds enable learners to revisit vocabulary, enabling them to revisit spellings and meanings to consolidate learning and reduce cognitive load on learners.
Impact
Linguists are competent in phonics, vocabulary and grammar, demonstrating embedded phonological awareness. They develop fluency and understanding in speaking and listening, reading and writing. Our linguists develop cultural capital and confidence in their knowledge and understanding of the spanish language. Revisting and over learning enables our linguist to know more, learn more and remember more.
Picasso Point – Our Linguists Ticket of Entitlement
An overview of knowledge and skills, experiences and opportunities, linguists will encounter on their journey from novice to expert.
Learning Journey Overviews
Success For All
Our Values Are At The Heart Of Everything We Do
Honesty
Being honest is important as it builds trust and strengthens relationships. Strong and positive relationships between all members of the Park Hall family are paramount to our wellbeing.
Enjoyment
Our learning journey promotes excitement and enthusiam for learners. Our children are immersed in a curriculum which develops curiosity, through innovative and creative experiences.
Achievement
We have the highest aspirations for all and are passionate about empowering and enabling our children to develop a real love of learning and see their futures as full of possibilities.
Respect
Everyone is valued for the unique individual that they are. Together we actively promote inclusion to prepare our children to play their part as active global citizens who share a belief that difference is a positive to be embraced and celebrated.
Teamwork
Together everyone achieves more. Team Park Hall work together to support all members of our very special school family.