Curriculum Statement for Spanish
Our teaching of the Spanish curriculum is planned as a foundation for later language learning. It introduces basic concepts of how Spanish works in an age-appropriate way with the aim of teaching a small amount well. Lessons are delivered on seeing real children in the small towns of Calahorra and Nájera, with glimpses of other places to show the diversity of Spain. This opens up the children’s knowledge of other cultures, how others live and deepens their understanding of the world rather than just the rules of grammar and vocabulary lists.
Spanish is taught in Years 3 – 6. The National Curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all children:
- Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources.
- Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation.
- Can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures they have learnt.
- Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studies.
Our Scheme of Work is based on the two Early Start Languages series Tu Y Yo for Years 3 and 4 and Mi Colegio y Ciudad for Years 5 and 6. This is a scheme of learning which supports non-specialist teachers. The children hear Spanish being spoken first to encourage better pronunciation. This provides a model for the pupils of seeing and listening to native speakers using the language in context, rather than reading from a textbook or relaying just in translation. The context is easily adapted to our children; for example incorporating global ideas like football or adapting it to the child themselves and their families.
We hope that for those children fortunate enough to visit Spanish speaking countries on holiday that they will have the confidence to try their linguistic skills abroad and then bring these experiences back to school to share with others. Our Spanish teaching can be interleaved across the curriculum with meaningful opportunities to see the Spanish culture and language across the world, for example in sport, music or art. Our Year 3 children will also learn more about the geographical features of Spain their summer geography topic.
We aim for our children to leave Lancaster Lane with a solid foundation and love of the Spanish language. This can be developed further in Key Stage 3, where our local high schools continue this subject.
Spanish is assessed by class teachers following a taught unit every half term. At the end of the school year, assessments are made against KLIPs. The Spanish Subject Leader receives this information from class teachers (end of unit assessments and end of year) and this is shared with parents. The subject leader carries out book looks and lesson drop-ins throughout the academic year.
Last reviewed in January 2024.