MFL
Intent
At Alkerden, we believe that learning a modern foreign language enriches learners’ education and opens doors to the wider world. Through Spanish, we aim to:
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Inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for language learning and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries
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Develop learners’ ability to communicate in Spanish, both orally and in writing, with confidence and clarity
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Build listening, speaking, reading and writing skills alongside an understanding of key grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
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Encourage respect for different cultures and ways of life, fostering global awareness and cultural understanding
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Provide a strong foundation that supports further language learning at secondary school and beyond
We aim for every learner to leave primary school with growing confidence in Spanish and a positive attitude towards learning languages.
Implementation
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Spanish is taught weekly throughout Key Stage 2. Lessons follow a carefully sequenced scheme of work that builds skills progressively.
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Assessment is ongoing and formative: learners’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills are monitored through class activities, spoken and written tasks, and self-reflection opportunities.
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Differentiation allows all learners to access the curriculum: tasks are adapted for support where needed, and more confident learners are challenged through extended activities, projects, or deeper enquiry.
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Regular revisiting and consolidation of language ensures that learners retain previously learned vocabulary and structures, embedding them in long-term memory.
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Cultural understanding is embedded in lessons: learners explore traditions, festivals, food, daily life, and geographical features of Spanish-speaking countries, helping them see the language in a wider context.
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A variety of methods are used to support learning: songs, rhymes, stories, games, drama and interactive activities. These help learners practise pronunciation, memorise vocabulary and make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
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As learners progress, lessons increasingly include reading and writing: learners read short texts, write simple sentences, and expand vocabulary and grammar knowledge to communicate effectively in Spanish.
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In the early years of Key Stage 2 learners are introduced to Spanish through listening and speaking activities. They practise simple phrases and vocabulary such as greetings, numbers, colours, classroom instructions, and topics like “myself”, “my family” and “my hobbies”.
Impact
By the time learners leave Alkerden our Spanish curriculum ensures that they:
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Can understand and respond to spoken Spanish and begin to read and understand simple written Spanish
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Speak with growing confidence, using key vocabulary and structures appropriately and with reasonable pronunciation
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Write short phrases and sentences in Spanish and begin composing simple texts and responses
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Have an understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, communities, and ways of life, showing respect for cultural diversity and global citizenship
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View language learning as a valuable skill, feel confident in their ability to learn other languages, and have a positive attitude towards continuing languages in the future
Learners will leave Alkerden as curious, confident, and capable young language users, equipped with a strong foundation in Spanish, a growing awareness of the wider world, and the skills to build on in secondary school and beyond.
Spanish Across the Stages
Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learners begin with basic listening and speaking practise. They learn simple vocabulary and phrases, respond to spoken Spanish, join in songs, rhymes or stories, and start using short sentences. Pronunciation and enjoyment are emphasised.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5-6)
Learners expand reading and writing skills: reading simple texts, understanding everyday vocabulary, writing short phrases and sentences from memory, and gradually composing longer sentences. Speaking practice increases, with learners engaging in short dialogues, asking and answering questions, expressing opinions, and adapting known phrases to new contexts. Cultural projects, songs, and role-play activities enrich learning and make Spanish come alive.
Inclusion & Support
Alkerden is committed to ensuring that every learner benefits from Spanish. We provide:
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Differentiated tasks and support, so learners of all abilities can engage successfully
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Enrichment for confident or advanced learners through extended projects, creative writing, research, and presentations
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A language-rich environment: use of Spanish in classroom routines, exposure to Spanish songs, stories, and media, and encouragement to use Spanish in different contexts.
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Cross-curricular links to subjects such as geography, history, art, and music to show the relevance of Spanish in wider learning