What do we want our Modern Foreign Language (Spanish) curriculum to achieve?

At St Peter’s, we want children to develop a genuine interest in learning other languages, beginning with Spanish. Our curriculum aims to lay strong foundations for language learning by helping children build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish, while developing a curiosity about the wider world.

We want children to see language as a tool for real communication. Through fun, engaging and purposeful learning experiences, we encourage pupils to experiment with new vocabulary and grammar, take risks in their speaking, and begin to express themselves with increasing independence.

Learning a foreign language opens doors to other cultures, ways of life and ways of thinking. At St Peter’s, we aim to foster respectful attitudes and cultural awareness by exploring the traditions, celebrations, food, music and daily life in Spanish-speaking countries. This helps children become more open-minded, global citizens.

Our goal is for all pupils to leave primary school with a positive attitude towards language learning, basic conversational skills in Spanish, and the confidence to continue studying languages at secondary level and beyond.

Why is Spanish important to us?

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and learning it provides a valuable opportunity for children to engage with other cultures and communities. At St Peter’s, we believe that learning a language strengthens communication skills and builds resilience, curiosity and adaptability—qualities that are vital for life in a global society.

Language learning supports children’s cognitive development and enhances skills in memory, pattern recognition and problem-solving. It also deepens their understanding of how language works, helping them become more thoughtful and confident communicators in both Spanish and English.

Learning Spanish helps pupils practise listening carefully, spotting patterns, and constructing meaning from context. It also strengthens their ability to speak clearly, read aloud with expression, and write using grammatical structures—all of which support literacy and learning across the curriculum.

Through language, children begin to understand that there are many ways of seeing the world. This nurtures empathy, curiosity and respect—values we hold close at St Peter’s.

How do we develop knowledge and skills in Spanish?

At St Peter’s, we teach Spanish through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills over time. Each unit introduces new vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context, supported by songs, games, stories and cultural activities that make learning fun and memorable.

Children begin by listening to and repeating keywords and phrases, building pronunciation and confidence through regular oral practice. They take part in role-play, simple conversations and class routines using Spanish, allowing them to use language for real purposes.

As their understanding grows, pupils begin to read short texts, match words to images, and recognise familiar language in songs, rhymes, and stories. Writing starts with copying simple phrases and builds towards composing short sentences using vocabulary and sentence structures they’ve learnt.

Throughout, pupils develop an understanding of core grammar concepts, such as gender, singular/plural, adjectives and verb forms. Lessons are designed to revisit and build on previous knowledge, helping pupils embed language over time.

Cultural learning is woven into the curriculum through celebrations of festivals, music, traditions and food from across the Spanish-speaking world. This deepens children’s understanding of global diversity and makes language learning meaningful and enjoyable.

How do we use assessment in Spanish?

Assessment in Spanish at St Peter’s is ongoing and mainly formative. Teachers assess pupils through observation, listening, questioning and short written tasks to understand how well they are progressing in vocabulary recall, pronunciation, sentence building and language comprehension.

Children are regularly encouraged to practise and revisit key language, helping teachers identify gaps and provide additional support or challenge as needed. Oral work, songs, games and role-play provide low-stakes opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their understanding in a fun and engaging way.

Written work may include matching activities, sentence construction or short texts. Teachers give feedback that supports progress and builds confidence. Assessment also considers wider skills such as participation, enthusiasm, and willingness to communicate—all important aspects of becoming a successful language learner.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should be able to understand and respond to simple spoken and written Spanish, take part in short conversations, and write basic phrases with accuracy.

How do we include and challenge all children in Spanish?

At St Peter’s, we ensure that all children can access and enjoy language learning, including those with additional needs. Spanish lessons are taught using a variety of strategies that support different learning styles and remove barriers to understanding.

We use repetition, visual aids, gestures, and songs to reinforce meaning. Vocabulary is introduced gradually and revisited regularly, with opportunities to practise in low-pressure environments. Key language is displayed in the classroom and supported with word banks, sentence frames and bilingual resources to aid recall.

Adaptations for pupils with SEND might include simplified instructions, more time to respond, using visual cues to support meaning, or learning through movement and music. Where needed, we offer pre-teaching of key vocabulary and targeted scaffolding to build confidence.

More confident learners are challenged through extended speaking tasks, deeper grammatical exploration, and opportunities to lead language games or teach others.

We also celebrate cultural diversity and ensure that children see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Exploring music, food, traditions and celebrations from across the Spanish-speaking world helps all children engage in learning and develop respect for global cultures.

Language learning at St Peter’s is inclusive, engaging, and rooted in the belief that all children can succeed and enjoy discovering the world through language.

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