Subject Lead: Mrs Dionne Alford – dionne.alford@allsoulsschool.co.uk
The curriculum for Languages at All Souls builds upon the programme of study outlined in the National Curriculum for England which can be found here.
What is our vision for Languages at All Souls?
At All Souls Catholic Primary School we believe that the experience of learning a foreign language can not only broaden children’s awareness of culture and diversity, as is our Catholic duty to celebrate the differences amongst our global family, but also develop their understanding of the process of learning and language acquisition. For most children, they are embarking on a journey of discovery together, from the same starting point – providing a unique opportunity for children to excel whilst developing their self-confidence, belief and worth. The teaching of a foreign language should focus on the acquisition of communication skills through an immersive and interactive approach where children are constantly using and developing their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Children’s acquisition of knowledge is achieved as a result of the approach to teaching not the focus of teaching. We believe that no children should be disadvantaged in their experience of learning a foreign language and that, more often than not, typical barriers to learning are more easily overcome in this curriculum area. Ultimately, our intention is for children to demonstrate genuine curiosity, show clear enjoyment and become articulate in celebrating a language and culture that is different to their own and be fully prepared for further language study at KS3.
How do we achieve this vision?
In recognition that, as a feeder school, the majority of our pupils will go on to attend Bishop Ullathorne Catholic Secondary School, our Languages curriculum is focused upon children developing their knowledge, understanding and familiarity with Spanish so that they are best placed to continue this journey and achieve throughout KS3.
Our languages Curriculum is introduced from Year 3 where it is taught as either a weekly 30 minute session or fortnightly 60 minute session across the year so that a minimum of 12 hours of direct teaching are achieved per year. Teachers use the planning and resources from the programme ‘La Jolie Ronde’ as a starting point for lesson planning, with an emphasis on ensuring that the vision of knowledge being acquired through the development of the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening remains central. Le Jolie Ronde is designed to be accessible for non-specialist teachers. Our curriculum and progression maps for Languages show how this programme is utilised and supplemented.
Pupils record their learning in specific Languages exercise books which should become a point of reference for children. With this in mind, children’s exercise books carry forward with them through each year group, so that they can be used in this way and to reduce the need to recover previous learning. Teachers should be mindful that, in developing children’s four skills in Spanish, written outcomes may not always be the most appropriate or effective outcome. Recording children’s work and progress in other means, such as through audio or video, should be part of normal practice.
Where possible, lesson delivery should take a multisensory approach, through use of flash cards and physical resources, interactive media shared on the class whiteboard, songs and rhymes, and through practical activities and ongoing pupil dialogue.
Teachers actively look for opportunities to work collaboratively with secondary school colleagues and native Spanish speakers to enrich the experiences for pupils. Equally teachers embrace opportunities for children to develop and use their growing Spanish language skills within the wider curriculum and lives of children. This could be, for example, by calling the daily register in Spanish regularly, the learning of key daily prayers in Spanish or just instigating conversations outside of Languages lessons in Spanish.
How does this impact our children?
At All Souls we strive to ensure that Spanish is loved by teachers and pupils across school, therefore encouraging them to embark on further language studies as they move to Secondary Education. Our impact can be measured through key questioning skills built into lessons, child-led assessment and summative assessments aimed at targeting next steps in learning but more importantly for the children’s enjoyment and engagement in the subject as well as their developing confidence in their ability to communicate orally and in writing.
As a result, all our pupils enjoy Spanish lessons and show great enthusiasm in learning the language and about Spanish culture. They recognise and remember key Spanish vocabulary and can write an increasing amount in Spanish. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures, their own languages, and the culture and languages of others. Our children here respect the cultures of others, value the pursuit of knowledge and are happy, engaged learners willing to preserve in the acquisition of a language different to their home language.
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