MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)

Intent

To give children the opportunity to engage with a Modern Foreign Language (MFL) by developing their skills in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. We will enrich our children’s curiosity of other cultures and languages and celebrate those that are part of our wider community.  

Bienvenidos a español! Welcome to Spanish!

At Beechfield School, we provide the exciting opportunity to learn Spanish for all children from Year 3 to Year 6 in order to expose them to a modern foreign language from a young age. We use videos, songs and interactive games to make learning a foreign language inspiring and engaging for children. Through weekly Spanish lessons, children benefit from a growing bank of vocabulary organised around a variety of topics including the weather, clothes, pets, habitats and many more.

As a school, we follow a particular scheme of work to ensure a good progression of knowledge and skills across the whole of KS2. Why have we chosen Spanish? We contacted some of our local secondary schools to find out what languages they taught and as they do a range of different Modern Foreign Languages, we chose Spanish. The reason being is that it is a phonetic language and we have a big focus in KS1 on this so it follows on naturally. Additionally, teachers feel more confident teaching a phonetic language. By learning Spanish early on, children acquire the foundations for further foreign language learning at Secondary School. 

Why have we chosen Spanish?

We contacted some of our local secondary schools to find out what languages they taught and as they do a range of different Modern Foreign Languages, we chose Spanish. The reason being is that it is a phonetic language and we have a big focus in KS1 on this so it follows on naturally. Additionally, teachers feel more confident teaching a phonetic language. By learning Spanish early on, children acquire the foundations for further foreign language learning at Secondary School. What do children gain from learning a Modern Foreign Language? Our Spanish lessons aim to enthuse children with a love of languages where they enjoy practising a range of fun, interactive activities, whilst covering the four key language skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

At Beechfield Primary School, we believe that learning a foreign language enriches pupils with an educational, social and cultural experience. It helps children to identify the similarities and differences between Spanish culture and their own. Furthermore, it equips them with key communication skills and allows them to develop their pronunciation and intonation of the Spanish language. Learning Spanish educates children in the importance of structure in a language, and allows them to identify how it differs from the English language structure. Lastly, it helps children to perceive language learning in a positive light, and allows them to develop a passion for languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating.

Useful websites for learning and practising Spanish at home

  • www.rockalingua.com  https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks2-spanish/zr3dt39
  • https://www.spanish-games.net/#google_vignette http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2spanish.html
  • https://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/fun_and_games
  • https://www.lightbulblanguages.co.uk/resources-pr-sp-Y3.htm#unit3