MFL at Swarcliffe Primary School
At Swarcliffe Primary School, we are aware of how MFL has changed in our lives and how it is vital to the world’s future and diversity in the country. At Swarcliffe we want our children to develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of MFL learning and discovery, and as one of our foundation subjects we teach and encourage the children to learn these skills to the best of their ability.
The intention of the Spanish curriculum is that children are taught to develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. As well as this, we intend to interest our children in their learning with a creative and cross-curricular approach. That extends their learning opportunities beyond the particular subject.
Lower Key Stage Two
The principal focus of MFL teaching in lower key stage 2 is to enable pupils to observe and experience some simple interaction in Spanish. Children in LKS2 will be encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they are listening to, showing some understanding. Teachers mainly follow the Spanish schemes of work from La Jolie Ronde, where they introduce new vocabulary, such as greetings, numbers and colours. They will develop their knowledge of Spanish by reading and writing simple phrases, which will enable them to use simple language with some recognisable pronunciation. Most of the learning will be basic vocabulary, which will be taught through first-hand practical experiences, but there will be some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, pictures and videos. In Lower Key Stage 2 there is also an opportunity for cross-curricular links with music as they can appreciate and make links with patterns, sounds, songs and rhymes. Clear links with Maths also continue as the children explore numbers.
Upper Key Stage Two
The principal focus of MFL teaching in Upper Key stage 2 is to enable pupils to widen their knowledge of Spanish, continuing to access and develop a widespread use of the language. Children in UKS2 will do this through, observing, listening attentively, talking and interacting, enabling them to speak in sentences and use correct pronunciation. Developing their skills by the reading and writing of simple words and phrases with accuracy from memory. This will support the children to create new meaning and grow their awareness of grammar. They will ask their own questions about what they have learnt and make some comparisons between the languages. Finding things out using secondary sources of information. They will draw simple conclusions and identify differences, state preferences with good reason. In UKS2 there is also an opportunity for cross-curricular links with music as they can appreciate and make links with patterns, sounds, songs and rhymes. Clear links with Maths also continue as the children explore numbers.
Enrich, Enhance, Excite
Our MFL curriculum is enhanced further by memorable experiences such as European Day of Languages and is celebrated each year to celebrate diversity and difference. To do this we hold a Spanish day with lots of opportunities for cross-curricular links. This includes Spanish number and number bonds in maths, in music we learn Spanish songs and perform them to the class, in DT, they prepare Spanish cuisine and they have the opportunity to discover traditional music in PE, where they learn Spanish dancing. This extends their learning opportunities beyond that particular area.
MFL is changing the lives of everyone. Through teaching MFL we intend for our children to be equipped to participate in a rapidly changing and diverse world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by where we encourage children’s confidence and creative skills. We strive to stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language. We help children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries. We strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary to enable children to use and apply their Spanish learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning.
Spanish Day!
The whole school had the amazing opportunity to have a whole day dedicated to Spanish. There were activities throughout the day bases around Spain and its traditions.
Mr Thomas organised some amazing Spanish dancing sessions for the whole school to take part in throughout the day.
The children were able to experience some of Spain's finest cuisine.
In EYFS the children sampled some of Spain's well known Spanish foods. KS1 sampled a more varied menu of some of Spain's finest delicacies.
LKS2 had the opportunity to make a simple Spanish dish in each class and have a shared tasting session. While in UKS2 they had a different recipe in each class to follow and exchange once they had made it.
The whole day was a huge success, the staff and children thoroughly enjoyed it.