Why Do We Teach Languages in Primary School?

Learning a language at an early age opens doors to a world of opportunities. It helps children:

• Communicate with Confidence: Express themselves in new ways and build clarity in speaking and listening.
• Think Creatively: Strengthen memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Appreciate Other Cultures: Discover traditions and ways of life, fostering empathy and respect for diversity.
• Understand English Better: Exploring another language deepens knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
• Prepare for the Future: Early exposure makes learning languages easier later and gives children a valuable skill for travel, work, and global citizenship.
• Enjoy Learning: Singing songs in Spanish, playing French games, and exploring stories from other cultures make lessons fun and engaging.

Why Do We Teach Spanish as Our Modern Foreign Language?

We chose Spanish because:

• It’s Widely Spoken: Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers, making it a practical choice for global communication.
• Useful for Travel and Work: Many countries in Europe, the Americas, and beyond speak Spanish, so it’s a valuable skill for future opportunities.
• Accessible for Beginners: Spanish has a straightforward pronunciation system and shares many words with English, which helps children learn with confidence.
• Cultural Richness: Learning Spanish opens the door to vibrant cultures, traditions, and histories across Spain and Latin America.
• Supports Progression: Spanish is one of the most commonly taught languages in UK secondary schools, so starting early gives pupils a strong foundation.

Spanish is a language that is both practical and enjoyable to learn, helping our pupils become confident communicators and global citizens. At Deanery children learn to speak, listen, read, and write Spanish while exploring how language works, developing curiosity and confidence. It’s not just about words; it’s about discovering new cultures and learning to communicate in real-life situations.

What Skills Do Our Pupils Develop?

• Speaking: Growing confidence in conversations, asking and answering questions, and using clear pronunciation. For example, pupils might introduce themselves in Spanish or role-play ordering food in French.
• Listening: Understanding spoken language through songs, stories, and authentic voices—like listening to a Spanish nursery rhyme or following instructions in Spanish during a game.
• Reading: Making sense of simple texts, building vocabulary, and learning how to use dictionaries. This could include reading a short story in Spanish or spotting familiar words in a Spanish menu.
• Writing: Creating phrases and short sentences from memory and adapting them to make new ones, such as writing a postcard in Spanish or a simple diary entry in French.
• Grammar & Vocabulary: Learning the basics of grammar and building a useful bank of words for different topics—like colours, numbers, and days of the week.
• Cultural Awareness: Appreciating other cultures by celebrating events or learning about Spanish traditions.
• Analytical Skills: Spotting patterns, comparing languages, and noticing similarities between English and Spanish words.
• Communication: Strengthening speaking and listening skills that support learning across all subjects.