Intent

At Mickley First School, we aim to provide a languages curriculum that gives children opportunities for speaking, listening and writing.  The language can be taught using songs and games that make lessons fun and engaging.  We believe that it is important for our children to explore other cultures and understand the world that they live in. We aim to provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries in the future.

Rationale

The purpose of languages in the National Curriculum is to foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Our teaching enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. 

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in languages at Mickley First School, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout Key Stage Two. Languages is taught in discrete lessons covering at least one unit per half term, where teachers follow the children’s interests and real-life experiences to ensure their learning is engaging, broad and balanced. Skills in speaking, reading and writing another language are developed through a multi-sensory approach such as rhymes, songs, stories and repetition. Children are also given the opportunity to extend their knowledge with a visit from a specialist languages teacher.

In addition, each year children are given opportunities to partake in activities dedicated specifically to the French culture for a whole day. During this time, Early Years and Key Stage 1 children have the opportunity to explore the French language and culture, and Key Stage 2 children broaden their knowledge through fun and interactive ways. 

Impact

Our languages curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Progress in languages is monitored termly to ensure all pupils meet their full potential. The knowledge taught is retained by the children and continually revisited and pupils are able to apply the skills they have been taught to a variety of different settings, showing independence with their learning.

Click here to view the full National Curriculum Programme of Study that we follow for languages.

Long Term Plan