At Holywell, we believe that many children really enjoy learning to speak another language. We also believe that the earlier a child is exposed to a foreign language, the faster the language in question is learned. It is widely believed that the early acquisition of a foreign language facilitates the learning of other foreign languages later in life. We also believe that a basic understanding of root words and etymology of language can help act as a platform when learning new languages and, indeed, spelling, understanding and using new English vocabulary.

MFL learning provides our children with a greater and wider understanding of the world and the people living in it.

We wish pupils to:

• become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a Modern Foreign Language;

• develop language skills and language-learning skills;

• understand and communicate in a new language;

• make comparisons between the foreign language and English or another language;

• increase their cultural awareness by learning about different countries and their people, and working with materials from those countries and communities;

• foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning;

• use their knowledge and growing confidence and competence to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and writing;

• form a basis for further study at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

 

As of September 2020, Spanish lessons are taught weekly in KS2 and involve revision and practice of previous learning in addition to new knowledge. This serves to embed the language and keep skills fresh. There are also opportunities for the children to recall and practice their learning throughout the week using a drip-drip approach.

The Primary languages entitlement is inclusive and our school supports equality of opportunity for all children through the practical and interactive nature of language lessons.