To achieve these objectives, our Spanish curriculum is structured to support progressive learning throughout the school years, with each year building upon the skills and knowledge acquired previously. Lessons are designed to be interactive, engaging, and culturally immersive, incorporating a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Phonics-based instruction for early and consistent exposure to Spanish sounds and pronunciation patterns
• Thematic vocabulary development through age-appropriate activities, such as songs, games, and role-play
• Explicit grammar instruction through visual aids, manipulatives, and hands-on exercises
• Cultural exploration through multimedia resources, projects on Spanish-speaking countries, and storytelling

What are the key concepts taught?

In line with the National Programme of Study for Languages at KS2, our curriculum enables children to develop the following key skills and competencies:

1. Listening and Understanding – Children will listen to spoken Spanish and show their understanding by joining in with songs, stories, and classroom activities, responding appropriately.
2. Sound-Spelling-Meaning Connections – Through phonics-based activities, children will link the sounds, spellings, and meanings of words, building confidence in decoding and pronunciation.
3. Reading Aloud with Accurate Pronunciation – Children will read a variety of phrases and sentences aloud, focusing on accurate pronunciation and intonation.
4. Reading Comprehension – Children will read and show understanding of simple texts, including classroom instructions, labels, and short stories, through interactive reading exercises.
5. Speaking in Sentences – Children will speak in complete sentences, using simple phrases to express ideas, answer questions, and describe people, places, and things.
6. Description Skills – Children will learn to describe people, places, and objects in both spoken and written Spanish, using adjectives to add detail and accuracy.
7. Asking and Answering Questions – Children will develop basic conversational skills, practicing how to ask and respond to questions on familiar topics, such as hobbies, family, and weather.
8. Expressing Opinions – Children will be encouraged to express simple opinions about their likes and dislikes, building vocabulary around feelings and preferences.
9. Writing from Memory – Children will develop the ability to write phrases and sentences from memory, reinforcing their retention of common vocabulary and phrases.
10. Adapting Phrases to Create New Sentences – Children will learn how to modify phrases and sentences to create new ideas, supporting their ability to speak and write independently.
11. Using a Dictionary – Children will be introduced to dictionary skills, learning how to look up unfamiliar words and use context clues to support comprehension.
     

 

Through this curriculum, we aim for our students to leave Lanchester Primary School with a strong foundational understanding of Spanish, an appreciation for the cultural richness of Spanish-speaking countries, and a readiness for further language study. By cultivating a love for languages and promoting a sense of curiosity about the world, we empower our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Our success will be evident when our children can:

• Communicate in basic Spanish with growing confidence and accuracy
• Demonstrate curiosity and respect for the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries
• Recognise and describe connections between Spanish, English, and any heritage languages they may speak
• Apply linguistic knowledge to other areas of learning, benefiting from enhanced cognitive skills and cultural awareness

By the end of their journey with us, children will possess not only language skills but also the cultural awareness, cognitive abilities, and social skills that support lifelong learning and global citizenship

How does learning prepare children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life? 

The emphasis on speaking and listening gives children opportunities to speak in front of others, developing their confidence and self-esteem. At Lanchester, we believe that learning another language supports the inclusive nature of our school and promotes both tolerance and a greater interest in other countries, cultures, and languages. The scheme of work we follow explores areas of life that are of interest to the children and introduces them to vocabulary that could be useful should they choose to visit a Spanish-speaking country or engage in conversation with a Spanish-speaking person.

What are the planned opportunities for developing English, Mathematics, oracy and SMSC?

Children's English skills will be developed across the key stage by providing ample opportunities to improve their speaking and listening. Phonics skills are also utilised when decoding new and unfamiliar vocabulary. Additionally, various aspects of grammar (for example, the use of articles and conjunctions) support children with sentence construction in English, both in speaking and writing.

Learning Spanish supports social development by encouraging a collaborative approach to learning, with children regularly conversing in the target language. It also promotes moral development by encouraging children to examine, discuss, and evaluate a range of social and moral issues found in other cultures. Spanish supports spiritual development through the exploration of new language and vocabulary, and it enhances cultural development by exposing children to a foreign language and culture. This experience helps promote internationalism and highlights their role within the world.

What are the planned opportunities for personalisation, including SEN more able pupils and disadvantaged? 

In planning the Spanish curriculum at Lanchester Primary School, we aim to create a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of all children, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), more able pupils, and disadvantaged children. Here are the planned opportunities for personalisation:

1. Special Educational Needs (SEN)

• Differentiated Instruction: Lessons are designed with varied activities that accommodate different learning styles and levels. For instance, children who may struggle with reading or writing can participate in more oral or auditory activities, such as listening exercises, role-plays, and paired speaking tasks.
• Visual and Tactile Supports: We use visual aids such as flashcards, images, and videos to reinforce vocabulary and grammatical structures. Hands-on activities, such as matching games and manipulatives, provide additional support for SEN learners.
• Scaffolded Learning Tasks: Step-by-step guides, sentence starters, and structured templates help SEN children understand and complete tasks independently. Teachers may also provide simplified language and focus on core vocabulary to ensure that key concepts are accessible.
• Assistive Technology: When appropriate, we incorporate digital tools and applications that allow SEN children to practise at their own pace and engage with interactive language-learning content.

2. More Able Pupils

• Extended Learning Opportunities: More able pupils are given opportunities to explore more complex language concepts and expand their vocabulary beyond the core curriculum. They may engage in tasks like writing short paragraphs, constructing dialogues, or creating presentations about Spanish-speaking countries.
• Higher-Order Thinking Activities: We encourage critical thinking and creativity by integrating activities that involve problem-solving, role-play, and cultural research. For instance, more able pupils might be tasked with comparing language structures between Spanish and English or creating their own stories in Spanish.
• Independent Projects and Challenges: More able pupils have the option to pursue independent projects, such as researching a specific aspect of Spanish culture or history and presenting it to the class. This not only extends their language skills but also fosters independent learning and personal expression.
• Opportunities for Peer Teaching: To reinforce their understanding, more able students may be encouraged to assist their peers or take on mentoring roles during group activities. This experience can deepen their knowledge and enhance leadership skills.

3. Disadvantaged Pupils

• Cultural Enrichment Activities: To support disadvantaged pupils’ engagement, we provide cultural immersion experiences, such as Spanish-themed days, food tastings, or virtual tours of Spanish-speaking countries. These activities promote interest and motivation while expanding their cultural awareness.
• Access to Resources and Support: We ensure that all children have access to essential resources, such as dictionaries, bilingual books, and digital devices, so they can fully participate in language-learning activities. 
• Emphasis on Practical Language Skills: By focusing on high-frequency vocabulary and useful phrases, we aim to equip disadvantaged pupils with practical communication skills they can use in real-life contexts. This approach builds confidence and emphasises the relevance of learning Spanish for future opportunities.
• Parental Engagement and Support: To help disadvantaged pupils feel more supported, we engage parents in the language-learning process by sharing resources and updates about what their children are learning in Spanish. This may include providing bilingual handouts, inviting parents to participate in cultural events, and encouraging at-home practice.

4. General Personalisation Strategies

• Flexible Grouping: Students are grouped flexibly to ensure they work with peers at similar skill levels for some activities, while also having the opportunity to collaborate with mixed-ability groups. This approach supports both peer learning and individualised support.
• Interactive and Multi-Sensory Activities: We incorporate a variety of activities, such as songs, games, storytelling, and interactive exercises that cater to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. This approach makes language learning more engaging and accessible for all children.

Our Spanish curriculum is designed to be both challenging and supportive, allowing every child the opportunity to develop their language skills, cultural awareness, and confidence. By fostering a love for language learning, we aim to help each child reach their fullest potential, regardless of their starting point.

What is done to support the social, emotional and mental health of pupils in this subject? 

To support the social, emotional, and mental health of our children in Spanish lessons, we emphasise a positive, inclusive environment that builds confidence, promotes cultural understanding, and encourages collaboration.

1. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

• Supportive Speaking Activities: We provide low-stress opportunities for speaking and listening, helping students gain confidence by practising in pairs or small groups.
• Positive Reinforcement: Teachers celebrate effort and progress, reinforcing a growth mindset and helping children feel proud of their achievements.

2. Encouraging Social and Emotional Skills

• Collaborative Learning: Pair and group activities foster teamwork and empathy, as children work together on language tasks and role-plays.
• Expressing Emotions and Opinions: Activities that involve discussing emotions and sharing opinions help children develop emotional literacy in both languages.

3. Promoting Cultural Awareness and Tolerance

• Exploring Spanish-Speaking Cultures: Through stories, music, and cultural topics, students gain a broader worldview, enhancing their sense of belonging as global citizens.
• Respect for Diversity: Learning about diverse cultures fosters tolerance and appreciation for differences, contributing to positive social and moral development.

4. Reducing Anxiety and Supporting Well-being

• Structured Lessons with Predictable Routines: Familiar lesson structures provide security and reduce anxiety, allowing students to focus and feel comfortable.
• Encouraging a Growth Mindset: We normalise mistakes as part of learning, helping students build resilience and perseverance.

Through these strategies, our Spanish curriculum nurtures not only language skills but also the emotional and social well-being of each student.