“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
At SS Philip and James’ Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.
From September 2014, Languages have been a statutory part of the National Curriculum at KS2 and above. SS Philip and James’ Primary School recognises the value of this initiative and provides age-appropriate Primary Languages learning opportunities for all children throughout the school. The focus language taught in KS2 in our school is German, while children in EYFS and KS1 have opportunities to enjoy a range of languages.
“Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.
Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.”
National Curriculum in England, Languages Programmes of Study (DfE2013)
“Learning a language enriches the curriculum. It provides excitement, enjoyment and challenge for children and teachers, helping to create enthusiastic learners and to develop positive attitudes to language learning throughout life. The natural links between languages and other areas of the curriculum can enhance the overall teaching and learning experience. The skills, knowledge and understanding gained can make a major contribution to the development of children’s oracy and literacy and to their understanding of their own culture/s and those of others.”
The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages (DfES 2005), Part Two page 4.
The aims of Primary Languages teaching at SS Philip and James’ School are:
- to foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to other languages in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils
- to stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and creativity in experimenting with it
- to support the wider curriculum by developing independent questioning learners
- to help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences
- to lay the foundations for future language study by pupils
- to provide an added perspective on first language teaching and learning
- to give an extra dimension to teaching and learning across the curriculum
The learning and teaching of languages.
The Languages Programme of Study sets out the expectations for ‘substantial progress’ by the end of KS2 covering listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar.
At SS Philip and James’ School we try to integrate language learning into everyday school life, with teachers, teaching assistants and children using and experimenting with their knowledge of different languages whenever the opportunity arises. We foster a problem-solving approach, giving children opportunities to work out language use for themselves in a supportive context where risk-taking and creativity are encouraged, and there is an emphasis on having fun with the new language. ICT is used where appropriate to enhance teaching and learning.
How do children learn?
There are three contexts in which language teaching and learning takes place:
1. Discrete language lessons
2. Language embedded in other lessons (cross curricular activities)
3. ‘Incidental language’ (e.g. as part of school routines)
What do children learn?
In Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils follow a programme based on songs, stories, rhymes and simple activities. These activities introduce pupils to basic vocabulary and the sounds of languages whilst offering opportunities to learn about the culture of other countries. Additional activities linked to topics are also included where appropriate.
In Key Stage 2 pupils follow the QCA scheme of work adapted to suit our school. Our scheme covers all the objectives and aims of the Programme of Study. Throughout the four years of KS2 children will learn songs, rhymes and stories as well as participating in role play, writing texts of varying lengths and for a variety of purposes, and speaking German in a variety of contexts. Additional activities linked to topics and in support of Literacy and Maths skills are also added where appropriate, and pupils are always encouraged to make connections between German and languages that they speak or with which they are familiar.
In Y6 children take part in a German Art project with Cherwell School and visit the school MFL department to share their completed work. We have a link with a school in Germany and regularly take part in activities including pen-pal letter writing. We are a partner school in the Oxford German Network and take part in competitions organised by them.
For more information, please contact the Language Coordinator via the school office.