Curriculum

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Modern Foreign Language

Intent

At our school, we aim to inspire a love of language learning and develop pupils’ confidence in communicating in Spanish. Our Spanish curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, regardless of prior experience, progress steadily in their language learning and are well prepared for further study at Key Stage 3.

Spanish is taught using the PlanIt Spanish scheme, which provides a structured and progressive approach to learning a foreign language. The curriculum focuses on developing the four key language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a strong emphasis on oracy in the early stages.

Our intent is that pupils will:

  • Develop confidence and accuracy in spoken and written Spanish
  • Build a secure foundation in phonics and pronunciation
  • Understand and apply key grammatical structures
  • Gain an appreciation of Spanish culture and traditions
  • Make clear links between Spanish and the English language

By the end of Year 6, pupils will be able to communicate effectively, express opinions, and understand and use a range of grammatical structures, preparing them successfully for KS3 language learning.

Implementation

Spanish is taught weekly from Year 2 to Year 6 using a carefully sequenced rolling programme to ensure continuity and progression, particularly in mixed-age classes.

  • Years 2, 3 and 4 follow a three-year rolling curriculum
  • Years 5 and 6 follow a two-year rolling curriculum

This approach ensures that all pupils are exposed to the full range of content while revisiting and building upon prior learning.

Teaching and Learning

  • Lessons are structured using PlanIt Spanish units, typically taught over six lessons
  • Each unit develops vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and cultural understanding in context
  • Lessons include songs, games, role-play, storytelling and interactive activities to support engagement and memory
  • Speaking and listening are prioritised, particularly for new learners, before moving towards reading and writing tasks
  • Grammar is introduced gradually and revisited regularly to deepen understanding

Assessment

  • Ongoing formative assessment is used to inform teaching and identify gaps
  • Opportunities for retrieval and recap are built into lessons
  • Progress is assessed through pupils’ ability to understand, speak, read and write in Spanish with increasing accuracy and independence

Inclusion and Accessibility

  • The rolling programme ensures that pupils joining at different points can access learning successfully
  • Scaffolding, repetition and visual support are used to support all learners
  • Challenge is provided through extended speaking and writing opportunities for more confident linguists

Impact

As a result of our Spanish curriculum, pupils:

  • Develop confidence in speaking Spanish and are willing to take risks with language
  • Demonstrate secure pronunciation and growing accuracy
  • Understand and apply key grammatical structures
  • Show curiosity and respect for other cultures
  • Can recall and build upon prior learning effectively

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are able to:

  • Participate in short conversations
  • Express opinions and give reasons
  • Read and understand short texts
  • Write sentences and short paragraphs using a range of vocabulary and structures

The impact of our curriculum is that pupils leave our school well-prepared for KS3, with a positive attitude towards language learning and the confidence to continue developing their Spanish skills.