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Spanish

BIENVENIDOS A ESPAÑOL

Intent

Learning a foreign language, like the Spanish taught at Eastbury Community School, breaks free from insularity and offers a vital gateway to other cultures, expanding experiences and aspirations. A top-tier languages education, provided by our native Spanish teacher, not only nurtures pupils' curiosity about the peoples and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries but also deepens their global understanding.

At Eastbury Community School, our teaching ignites a passion for words and the intricacies of language, empowering pupils to articulate their ideas and feelings in Spanish. They're well-prepared to understand and interact with native speakers, both verbally and in written form, and to confidently communicate in real-world scenarios. Our curriculum is structured to give pupils the means to interact for practical reasons globally and to appreciate renowned literature in its native tongue.

Through our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) curriculum, pupils are given prime opportunities to flourish in Modern Foreign Languages, extending their horizons. We inspire our pupils to emerge as global citizens, prospering in diverse cultures and communities. Studying Spanish offers an enriching educational, social, and cultural journey, establishing a base for advanced language studies post-KS2 and preparing pupils for global careers and education. We understand the importance of mastering a language in shaping future career paths and personal goals.

Prioritising precise grammar, pronunciation, and spelling, our pupils are taught to autonomously use their Spanish proficiency both within academic lessons and outside the academic setting. We set high expectations for our pupils, ensuring their competence in interpreting both spoken and written Spanish accurately, and in crafting appropriate responses using the insights and techniques absorbed from our curriculum. Our paramount goal is for our pupils to wholeheartedly engage with Spanish culture and language, becoming skilled communicators across diverse platform.

Key Stage 1

At KS1, when the teaching of foreign languages is non-statutory, any opportunities for positive learning experiences of additional languages, through song, rhymes, poems and/or word games, are encouraged, particularly when these may enable learners from a variety of backgrounds to share their cultural and/or linguistic heritage with their peers in the classroom. Early exposure to other languages is likely to stimulate curiosity and interest in the wider world.

Key Stages 2 and 3

The statutory phase of language learning comprises the seven years of KS2 and KS3. Eastbury Community School is committed to fulfil the aims and deliver the learning outcomes of the National Curriculum Languages programmes of study for both key stages. In brief, these are to ensure that all pupils at KS2:

develop their interest in the language(s) and culture(s) of other countries.
develop their practical communication skills by understanding and responding to both spoken and written language.
make substantial progress in one language (although they may have additional opportunities to learn more than one language).
understand basic grammar appropriate to the language studied.

have a solid foundation for further language study at KS3, where possible in the same language that will be studied at KS3.

Implementation

At Eastbury Community School we focus on four different skills which help to develop categories of language: listening, speaking, reading and writing by giving pupils opportunities to practice each skills throughout every lesson. To ensure that we give our pupils the very best opportunity to succeed within Spanish we teach weekly Spanish lessons for 45 minutes a week to all KS2 pupils. During their weekly lessons, the pupils enjoy exciting and engaging lessons which follow our Spanish Curriculum which has been carefully sequenced to ensure that all pupils acquire the skills and knowledge within Spanish, as well as plenty of opportunities for rehearsal and practise. Our pupils are provided with the opportunity to learn conversational Spanish, phrases, greetings, grammar and many more exciting topics.

We are very proud to offer additional Spanish enrichment to all of our pupils as we value the importance of learning a new language. Therefore, we provide our KS1 pupils with the opportunity to learn Spanish within our after-school club where pupils sing songs, playing games and have fun! Our native Spanish teacher also records weekly videos to be watched during assembly time, where children learn new words and practice them by reading fairy tales and singing songs. These videos help to engage and encourage our pupils in EYFS and KS1 to learn Spanish! Pupils are also provided with additional opportunities for practise and rehearsal through Spanish home learning.

“The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.”

Department for Education

How is the curriculum sequenced?

We teach three core strands of essential knowledge:

Phonics – the key components of the sound-writing relationship
Vocabulary – a set of the most frequently used words
Grammar – the essential building blocks required to create simple sentences independently (including gender of nouns, singular and plural forms, adjectives (place and agreement), and the conjugation of key verbs)

Our Spanish curriculum is designed to enable our children to:

Develop linguistic and communicative competence.
Extend their knowledge of how language works.
Explore similarities and differences between Spanish any heritage languages our children have, and English.

The teaching of a foreign language to every child in KS2 is a statutory requirement, as set out in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
In line with the NC PoS, our children learn to:

Listen and show understanding by joining in and responding
Link the sound, spelling and meaning of words
Read aloud with accurate pronunciation
Read and show understanding of phrases and simple texts
Speak in sentences
Describe people, places, things in speech and writing
Ask and answer questions
Express opinions
Write phrases from memory
Adapt phrases to create new sentences
Use a dictionary

Our children also learn key cultural and country-specific knowledge. For example, by the end of KS2, our children:

can name and locate on a map the countries where Spanish is spoken.
know the key geographical features of Spain including continent, surrounding seas and oceans, main mountains and rivers, capital city.
know the name and some detail about at least one festival or tradition from Spain.
know at least one typical food from Spain.

How are you building on prior knowledge and skills?

Pupils learn best when they are provided with opportunity to practice within weekly lessons; through each topic and beyond. We ensure that our pupils deepen their understanding of the language throughout their time at Eastbury Community School. Previous content is recapped at the beginning of every lesson and pupils have plenty of opportunities to rehearse their skills and knowledge within each lesson and throughout each topic. Prior learning is revisited to ensure that pupils strengthen their memory and that they are able to make further connections within other topics within the curriculum. New content is carefully planned and provided within context to ensure that pupils develop the next steps within their Spanish learning.

Impact

Eastbury Community School students will have developed listening, speaking, reading and writing skills for a language that is widely spoken across the world. This will enable them the best opportunities for work within a global context. Our pupils will be at an advantage of other as they will be fluent, confident and ambitious citizens who are able to apply their linguistic knowledge of Spanish to help them succeed within all areas of life.

They will have a better understanding of different cultures across the world, which will as well support other subjects like Geography, History and Religious Education and this will help them to value diversity and motivate them to learn from other cultures and beliefs.

They will have enjoyed a variety of learning experiences that will have not only improved their academic skills but as well provided them with a more open-minded view of the world we live in.

Assessment

Children are continuously assessed on the knowledge they are taught in lessons, whenever they are called upon to understand and/or produce language, without reference to resources. Periodically they complete end of term quiz in phonics, vocabulary and grammar covering all modalities (i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing), which assess the specific knowledge they have been taught.

Equal Opportunities and SEND

All children irrespective of ability or special educational need, should be taught a foreign language. Every child has the statutory right to a broad and balanced curriculum.

A child with SEND should be actively encouraged to participate fully in MFL lessons with the necessary support and appropriate differentiation.

Teaching modern foreign languages is a vital way to directly address pupil perceptions and potential stereotypes. It allows us to actively promote positive attitudes and values towards cultural and or religious diversity and to directly tackle any form of cultural and negative stereotyping.

“The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:

-understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources,

-speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation

-can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt

-discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.”

Department for Education

Spanish Knowledge Organisers

Nursery to Year 2

knowledge organiser nursery to y2.pdf

This is what we will be learning in Ks2 every half-term!

Autumn:

Year 3

rojo knowledge organiser autumn term.pdf

Year 4

amarillo knowledge organiser autumn term.pdf

Year 5

azul knowledge organiser autumn term.pdf

Year 6

verde knowledge organiser autumn term.pdf

Spring:

Year 3

y3 rojo knowledge organiser spring term.pptx

Year 4

y4 amarillo knowledge organiser spring term.pptx

Year 5

y5 azul knowledge organiser spring term.pptx

Year 6

y6 verde knowledge organiser spring term.pptx

Summer:

Year 3

rojo knowledge organiser summer term.pptx

Year 4

amarillo knowledge organiser summer term.pptx

Year 5

azul knowledge organiser summer term.pptx

Year 6

verde knowledge organiser summer term.pptx

MFL Curriculum Skills Progression 5-8

5 8 mfl curriculum skills progression .pdf

Useful Links

1. BBC Bitesize – Spanish

Link: BBC Bitesize Spanish
Description: BBC Bitesize offers interactive lessons for primary school students learning Spanish, with sections on topics like numbers, greetings, and animals.

2. Duolingo

Link: Duolingo
Description: Duolingo provides a gamified approach to learning Spanish, perfect for young learners. It's free and includes a wide range of vocabulary and grammar lessons.

3. SpanishGames.net

Link: SpanishGames.net
Description: SpanishGames.net offers free interactive games and quizzes to help kids learn basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar. Topics include numbers, colors, and common phrases.

4. Language Learners – KS2 Spanish

Link: Language Learners KS2
Description: This site offers fun and engaging activities for KS2 students, including worksheets, games, and videos designed to teach Spanish in a way that children enjoy.

5. Languages Online

Link: Languages Online
Description: This website offers a range of lessons, exercises, and quizzes to help students practice their Spanish. It covers topics from basic vocabulary to more advanced grammar.

6. Rockalingua

Link: Rockalingua
Description: Rockalingua offers songs, games, and interactive lessons tailored for young learners. The website is designed to make Spanish learning fun, with vibrant visuals and catchy music.

7. Muzzy BBC Spanish

Link: Muzzy Spanish
Description: Muzzy offers an engaging method of learning Spanish, through animated videos and songs. It is especially good for younger learners and beginners.

8. Spanish Playground

Link: Spanish Playground
Description: This website features fun activities, including flashcards, games, and songs, designed to help children learn Spanish. There are also tips for parents on how to support language learning at home.

9. Digital Dialects – Spanish Games

Link: Digital Dialects Spanish Games
Description: Digital Dialects offers a variety of free online games to help kids practice Spanish vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.

10. FluentU – Spanish for Kids

Link: FluentU for Kids
Description: FluentU provides a language learning platform that uses real-world videos like cartoons and music videos to help kids learn Spanish in a more natural way.

Other information related to the Subject of Spanish

Learning Spanish at Key Stage 2 (KS2) is an exciting and valuable experience, offering students a chance to expand their cultural knowledge, enhance communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of language in general. Below, I’ll provide more information that can help both students and parents navigate learning Spanish at this stage, including tips, key topics covered, and how parents can support their child’s learning.

1. Why Learn Spanish at KS2?

Cognitive Benefits: Learning a foreign language like Spanish at an early age helps develop memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. It also enhances overall brain function.
Cultural Awareness: Spanish is spoken by millions of people around the world. Learning Spanish opens doors to understanding different cultures, history, and traditions, which enriches a child's global perspective.
Preparation for the Future: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally. Proficiency in Spanish can be useful in various professions and in international communication.
Building Confidence: Early language learning helps build confidence in speaking and listening, which can make it easier for students to continue learning other languages in the future.

2. Key Topics Covered in KS2 Spanish

At Key Stage 2, students are typically introduced to basic vocabulary, grammar, and cultural concepts in Spanish. Common areas include:

Greetings and Introductions
Students learn how to greet people and introduce themselves (e.g., Hola, me llamo... – "Hello, my name is...").
Numbers and Colors
Basic numbers (e.g., uno, dos, tres) and colors (e.g., rojo, azul, verde) are often some of the first vocabulary introduced.
Days of the Week and Months
Learning the days of the week (e.g., lunes, martes, miércoles) and months of the year (enero, febrero, marzo) helps students gain a basic understanding of how to talk about time.
Classroom Vocabulary
Words related to the classroom (e.g., cuaderno – notebook, pizarra – board) are important for helping students interact in a classroom setting.
Family Vocabulary
Students often learn words for family members (e.g., madre – mother, padre – father, hermano – brother).
Simple Sentences
Children begin forming simple sentences such as Tengo un perro (I have a dog) or Me gusta bailar (I like to dance).
Animals and Nature
Learning names for animals (e.g., gato – cat, perro – dog) and nature-related words (e.g., árbol – tree, flor – flower).
Telling the Time
Telling time in Spanish using terms like ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?) and learning the numbers to tell the time in Spanish.
Basic Grammar
Students will be introduced to simple sentence structures, personal pronouns (e.g., yo – I, tú – you), and verb conjugations in the present tense (e.g., hablar – to speak, como – I eat).
Spanish Songs and Rhymes
Songs are an excellent way to reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation. Simple children’s songs or rhymes are often used to make learning fun and memorable.

3. How Parents Can Support Spanish Learning

While Spanish lessons are typically part of the school curriculum, parents can play a vital role in reinforcing language skills at home. Here are some tips to support your child’s Spanish learning:

Practice Vocabulary Together
Use flashcards, labels around the house, or apps (like Quizlet) to help your child practice Spanish vocabulary. You can practice colors, numbers, and everyday phrases.
Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable language goals with your child. For example, aim to learn and use five new words every week, or master telling the time in Spanish.
Engage with Spanish Content
Watching age-appropriate Spanish shows, cartoons, or videos on YouTube (e.g., Peppa Pig in Spanish, Dora the Explorer) can help your child develop listening skills. Also, look for simple Spanish books or bilingual books that your child can read.
Speak with Native Speakers
If possible, encourage your child to engage with native Spanish speakers, whether through language exchange programs, local community events, or even online interactions. This will build their confidence and pronunciation.
Make Learning Fun
Incorporate games, songs, and activities that make learning Spanish feel like a fun experience. There are many online resources (such as Duolingo, SpanishGames.net, and Rockalingua) that offer interactive activities and games tailored for children.
Encourage Daily Practice
Consistency is key. Even practicing for 10–15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in language acquisition. You could also try setting a “Spanish day” where your child tries to speak only in Spanish for a certain period of time.
Use Spanish in Everyday Life
Incorporate Spanish into everyday activities. For example, try labeling items around the house in Spanish or speaking in simple Spanish phrases during daily routines (e.g., Vamos a comer – "Let's eat").

4. Recommended Books and Resources for KS2 Spanish Learners

Here are some books and resources that parents can consider to further support Spanish learning:

Books:
- First Spanish Reader by Angel Flores – A simple collection of short stories for beginners.
- Spanish for Kids: A Beginner's Guide by Jill K. Berry – A fun way to introduce kids to the Spanish language with games and activities.
- Colores: A Spanish-English Bilingual Book by Nancy Viau – A colorful and simple introduction to basic vocabulary.
Apps and Websites:
- Duolingo – A user-friendly app with a gamified approach to language learning.
- Busuu – Another app with interactive lessons that cater to children and beginners.
- LingoBus – An app designed for children to learn Spanish through fun, live lessons.

5. How Spanish Helps with Learning Other Languages

Learning Spanish is also a great gateway to learning other languages, especially those from the same language family (Romance languages), like French, Italian, and Portuguese. Once students are familiar with the structure of Spanish, they can more easily pick up other languages because of similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.

6. Cultural Exposure: Celebrating Spanish-Speaking Countries

Holidays and Festivals: Explore Spanish-speaking countries' holidays such as Día de los Muertos (Mexico) or La Tomatina (Spain). Learning about these traditions can spark interest in the language.
Spanish Art and Music: Explore famous Spanish artists like Picasso, or listen to Spanish music genres such as Flamenco, Salsa, or Latin pop (artists like Shakira or Juanes).
Travel Opportunities: If possible, visiting a Spanish-speaking country can give your child a real-world context to their learning. Simple travel phrases and immersing yourself in the language is an amazing way to bring language learning to life.