Languages
Intent:
Implementation:
Impact:
At St John's, language learning is of vital importance for all of our pupils. It allows them to explore both a new language and a different culture, making comparisons with their own. Being able to communicate in another language (for some lucky children it may be their third or even fourth spoken language) is hugely beneficial for our children's futures, both in their personal lives and careers. We aim to develop curious, confident, independent learners and deepen their understanding of the world.
In line with Government expectations, every Key Stage 2 class (Years 3-6) has a weekly 45 minute Spanish lesson. As a school we follow the Language Angels scheme of work, which enables class teachers to successfully deliver Spanish lessons to their own class. This ensures cohesion and continuity for all children in the school. As we acknowledge children’s different learning styles, our children learn through active participation in actions, rhymes, stories, songs, grammar focus, video clips, sentence structure, dictionary work, book making and many more creative activities to extend, embed and combine their language skills.
Each year we celebrate the European Day of Languages in September, a day filled with fun language activities and even some European food for lunch! This helps to broaden the children's understanding of the importance of language learning and the impact it can have. In addition, we participate in the annual challenge of writing poetry in a foreign language linked to one of our Christian Values.
Due to having a close working relationship with the languages department at our local secondary school, Ormiston Bushfield Academy, we benefit from having regular visits from Year 9 language leaders - top language students who improve their skills by teaching classes to our children throughout the year.
All children will develop key language learning skills, as set out by the National Curriculum, as well as a love of languages and learning about other cultures. The children understand the relevance of what they are learning in languages and how it relates to everyday life, travel and future careers. Progression through a topic is evident in the development of key skills and acquisition of main vocabulary.
Impact is monitored through children’s work in books, recordings, photos and teacher assessment. Verbal and written feedback is provided to children, along with pupil interviews to ensure there is an impact on children’s outcomes and that children feel positive about languages. Data is monitored regularly and through looking at evidence of work in books.
