Languages at Manuden

At Manuden Primary School, we want pupils to develop confidence and enjoyment in learning another language.

Our languages curriculum introduces children to new vocabulary, sounds and sentence structures while helping them develop an appreciation of other languages and cultures.

We want pupils to become confident communicators who are willing to listen carefully, speak aloud, experiment with language and learn from mistakes.

How We Teach Languages

Formal language teaching takes place in Key Stage 2.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils regularly revisit previously taught vocabulary and structures while gradually developing more complex language.

Teaching includes opportunities to:

• listen and respond to spoken language;
• develop accurate pronunciation;
• learn and recall vocabulary;
• ask and answer questions;
• take part in conversations;
• read words, phrases and short texts;
• write words, phrases and increasingly complete sentences;
• develop an understanding of basic grammar; and
• learn about the culture and traditions associated with the language being studied.

Lessons include frequent opportunities for pupils to hear, practise and use the language.

Listening and Speaking

Listening and speaking are central to language learning.

Pupils are encouraged to listen carefully to pronunciation and intonation and to respond with increasing confidence.

Children learn to:

• recognise familiar words and phrases;
• respond to questions and instructions;
• repeat and reproduce sounds accurately;
• ask and answer simple questions;
• express opinions and preferences;
• take part in short conversations; and
• speak with increasing fluency and confidence.

Songs, rhymes, games and spoken activities are used where appropriate to reinforce learning.

Reading

As pupils develop their language knowledge, they encounter an increasing range of written language.

Children learn to:

• recognise familiar vocabulary;
• understand simple phrases and sentences;
• use context to support understanding;
• identify patterns in language;
• read aloud with appropriate pronunciation; and
• develop confidence in understanding short texts.

Reading also helps pupils make connections between spoken and written language.

Writing

Pupils gradually develop their ability to communicate in writing.

They learn to:

• copy words and phrases accurately;
• write familiar vocabulary from memory;
• construct simple sentences;
• adapt familiar sentence structures;
• apply grammatical knowledge; and
• produce increasingly independent pieces of writing.

Expectations increase progressively as pupils move through Key Stage 2.

Vocabulary and Grammar

Vocabulary is introduced systematically and revisited regularly so that pupils can recall and apply what they have learned.

Children also develop an age-appropriate understanding of how another language is structured.

This may include:

• nouns and articles;
• gender;
• adjectives;
• verbs;
• word order;
• questions;
• negatives; and
• simple sentence structures.

Where useful, pupils make comparisons with English to strengthen their understanding of language more broadly.

Languages in Our Mixed-Age Classes

Our languages curriculum is carefully planned to support progression across our mixed-age classes.

Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 may follow a two-year curriculum cycle where appropriate.

Learning is sequenced so that pupils revisit and build upon previously taught vocabulary and grammatical structures without unnecessary repetition.

Teachers adapt expectations and levels of independence according to pupils’ age, prior learning and individual needs.

Cultural Understanding

Learning another language also provides opportunities for pupils to learn about other cultures and communities.

Children may explore:

• traditions and celebrations;
• food;
• music;
• stories;
• places and landmarks;
• everyday life; and
• similarities and differences between cultures.

We want pupils to develop curiosity about the wider world and respect for different languages and cultures.

Supporting All Learners

We want every pupil to participate successfully in language learning.

Teachers support pupils through approaches such as:

• visual prompts;
• repetition and rehearsal;
• actions and gestures;
• modelling pronunciation;
• vocabulary banks;
• paired practice;
• songs and games;
• breaking language into manageable steps; and
• targeted adult support where appropriate.

Mistakes are treated as a normal and valuable part of learning another language.

Assessment

Teachers assess languages through pupils’ listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Assessment considers pupils’ ability to:

• understand familiar language;
• recall and use vocabulary;
• communicate orally;
• read and understand increasingly complex language;
• write with increasing independence; and
• apply grammatical knowledge.

Assessment is used to identify what pupils have secured and what needs further practice.

Key Languages Information

• Languages Curriculum Overview
• Languages Progression
• Languages Policy

Find Out More

If you would like further information about Languages at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370