Modern Foreign Languages

Curriculum intent

At Brownmead Academy, we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It also provides opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read in the original language.

Our chosen modern foreign language is Spanish, which prepares our children well for their language learning at local secondary schools in KS3. It provides essential skills in the development of each child’s aspirations and knowledge of the world as well as their understanding of their own culture and identity.

Children are encouraged to be Global citizens and, fostering a love of learning languages is at the heart of Foreign Language learning at Brownmead Academy which is why we have a Language of the Month feature in school.

We use the Primary Languages Network scheme of work which covers all the components of the Programme of Study. Lessons ensure the children progressively develop their language learning skills and also make useful links to their literacy. The children are introduced to Spain and different aspects of Spanish culture, including in other Spanish speaking countries.

Curriculum implementation

We make lessons as enjoyable as possible so that the children develop a positive attitude to the learning of modern foreign languages. We use a variety of techniques to encourage the children to be engaged and active in lessons: these include the use of puppets and soft toys, games, role-play, action songs and stories. We emphasise listening, responding and speaking skills with the addition of simple reading and writing skills, according to the objectives as set out in the National Curriculum Programme of Study 2014.

Curriculum impact

Pupils make good progress through the skills and knowledge needed to become effective communicators. This is judged both in lessons and using the unit assessments where pupils are assessed in all 4 key skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking. As can be seen from the schemes of work extracts below, teachers can accurately assess progress of students through the modules.