Spanish

Rationale

At St Anthony’s, learning Spanish enhances new ways of seeing the world and builds connections with people and cultures beyond our own. It equips pupils with the skills to communicate in another language, deepening appreciation of diversity and global community. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, pupils learn through Solidarity that language is a bridge between people and cultures, promoting respect and friendship. The Dignity of the Human Person underpins the recognition of each culture as valuable, while Stewardship of Creation inspires pupils to appreciate and celebrate the richness of God’s world. Spanish nurtures curiosity, openness, and empathy, preparing pupils to be confident communicators and active global citizens.

Intent

Our Spanish curriculum, following the Primary Languages Network scheme, ensures that all pupils experience a high-quality, well-sequenced programme of language learning. It builds knowledge step by step, enabling pupils to understand and communicate in spoken and written Spanish, while also fostering a love of languages.

Core principles include:

Nurturing pupils who act with respect, openness, and cultural awareness.
Inspiring enjoyment, curiosity, and resilience in learning another language.
Promoting collaboration and confidence through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Key Stage 1: Pupils are introduced to Spanish through enrichment and exposure. Starting with Reception in summer term, children in KS1 learn songs, games, greetings, and simple words, developing enjoyment and curiosity for language learning.

Key Stage 2: Pupils progress through the Primary Languages Network curriculum, developing skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They learn vocabulary and structures through topics such as family, food, weather, school, and hobbies. Pupils build cultural understanding by exploring festivals, traditions, and daily life in Spanish-speaking countries.

Implementation

The Primary Languages Network scheme provides sequenced lesson plans, resources, and assessments to ensure progression.
Lessons combine direct teaching, interactive songs, games, and role-play activities.
Pupils regularly practise listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with opportunities to revisit and consolidate vocabulary and grammar.
Cultural learning is embedded, allowing pupils to compare their lives with those in Spanish-speaking countries.
Digital resources and authentic materials (videos, songs, stories) enhance motivation and engagement.
Cross-curricular links with Geography (countries, climate), Music (songs, rhythm), and RE (festivals and traditions) enrich understanding.

Impact

By the end of primary education, pupils will:

Understand and respond to simple spoken and written Spanish with increasing accuracy.
Communicate ideas, facts, and feelings in Spanish through speech and writing.
Demonstrate curiosity, respect, and openness to other cultures, living out Solidarity and The Dignity of the Human Person.
Show resilience and confidence in language learning, ready to build on their foundations at KS3.
Recognise the joy and value of languages in strengthening community and global connection.

Assessment

Each lesson begins with retrieval activities to reinforce prior knowledge.
Teachers use observation, questioning, and mini tasks to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
End-of-unit assessments in KS2 track vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge.
Progress is recorded and celebrated, ensuring pupils build secure foundations for secondary learning.

SEND Support Statement

In teaching the Primary Languages Network curriculum, we ensure quality first teaching and adapt strategies for learners with SEND.
Lessons use visuals, songs, repetition, and gestures to support memory and understanding.
Vocabulary is introduced gradually with scaffolds such as word mats and sentence frames.
Pupils are supported through modelling, small steps, and varied modes of response (oral, written, practical).
Every child’s effort and progress is celebrated, ensuring the dignity of all learners is recognised.