Spanish

Our intent

 

At Isle of Ely Primary School, our children know more and remember more about the wider world in which they live. We work in partnership with the wider community and with local secondary schools to ensure that our learners leave Year 6 with the knowledge of the vocabulary, the grammar and the culture reflected in another language that enables them to continue to be successful learners, to foster an understanding and a respect for other cultures and to understand the interrelation between language and human experience.

 

Our implementation

 

Children know more and remember more about Spanish language and culture through weekly, discrete Spanish lessons in KS2 taught by class teachers. As the language was new to the school in the 2021-22 academic year, each class began by learning the same things as they were all in 'year one' of their language learning. Over the course of four years, each year group will learn content appropriate for their language-learning experience until the key stage year group and year of learning Spanish align (see table).

 

	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2024-25 onwards
Year 3	Year one of language learning	Year one of language learning	Year one of language learning	Year one of language learning
Year 4	Year one of language learning	Year two of language learning	Year two of language learning	Year two of language learning
Year 5	Year one of language learning	Year two of language learning	Year three of language learning	Year three of language learning
Year 6	Year one of language learning	Year two of language learning	Year three of language learning	Year four of language learning

 

As the children progress through the year, there are links made between prior and up-coming learning and the children use knowledge organisers to refer to essential knowledge, key cultural information, core vocabulary (including links with English) and pronunciation guidance.

 

Children learn to listen, to speak, to read and to write in Spanish. The amount of first language is high but considered carefully so that the children can balance effective practice with their ability to access the learning successfully. Repetition, conversation, questioning and use of non-examples to build the children’s vocabulary and structures. The language and structures are selected and sequenced with a focus on high-frequency language so that children’s working memories aren’t overloaded. We also include a significant focus on Spanish culture which is important socially, culturally and for wider-understanding; this can include teaching by members of the school community that are native Spanish speakers. Each unit of ends with a simple assessment.

 

Our impact

Pupil voice, teacher feedback and recorded work shows that children enjoy learning Spanish and recognise their own progress in the language. Some say that they have used it when visiting Spain. Others say that they enjoy learning about Spain and recall facts about Spanish games and celebrations. Teachers understand the clear progression of learning that is taught in a way that allows for recall of learning and with a focus on the new language. This empowers them to teach effectively so that our children know more and remember more about Spain and Spanish.