At Leigh Academy Tree Tops, pupils learn Spanish as a foreign language, encouraging pupils to immerse themselves in and develop an enthusiasm for language learning. Pupils not only develop their self-esteem and confidence when speaking Spanish, but also explore the customs and cultural traditions where this language is predominantly spoken, such as Mexico, Spain and Argentina. Pupils also have the opportunity to consider similarities and differences between the culture which they are learning more about and our own multicultural Britain.
Aims
The National Curriculum for MFL 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
- Continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
- Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.
- The subject leader for MFL will meet the senior leadership team and representatives from the Trust on a regular basis to evaluate provision in order to ensure that teaching and learning in MFL is highly effective.
- Where possible, carefully designed, interleaved learning in MFL will be used to ensure consistency and develop the knowledge and understanding of all learners.
- Clearly defined end goals are set in order to guide children to achieve their potential. This ensures work is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum whilst still fulfilling the requirements of a PYP approach.
- High quality input from experts and educational resources complement the delivery of language learning admirably. Children understand how foreign languages are used in the wider world including careers.
- Learning is adapted and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, through adaptive teaching; including guidance from the EEF (Education Endowment foundation). Educators incorporate explicit instruction, cognitive and metacognitive strategies, scaffolding, flexible grouping and use of technology into daily classroom practice to ensure access for all.
- Through learning a foreign language, children deepen their appreciation of other cultures and enhance their international mindedness.
- Cultural capital opportunities have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding.
- Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in MFL, reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in Spanish and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
- Through wider experiences in Spanish, children will gain an appreciation and understanding of the country and some of its historical links to other parts of the world and historical events.
- British Values of tolerance and respect are identified, understood and practised.
Each lesson will include live marking (as per the Marking and Feedback Policy). Homework is not formally set in MFL but children are encouraged to take part in enrichment opportunities such as listening to a foreign radio station or trying foreign foods. High quality teaching responds to the needs of children. An assessment grid (the foundation skills assessment) is used to formally record an overview of progress of each child.
Children will learn and experience the following:
- Spanish publications (such as newspapers) and books
- Listening to Spanish radio
- Listening to Spanish music
- Watching Spanish television programmes and / or films
- Eating Spanish food