As an institution with Global Schools status, we at St. Francis of Assisi recognise the interconnectedness of our world in a number of ways. The teaching of Foreign Languages is vital to equipping children with the communication skills in order to play a full part in today's interdependent world.

The main language and culture that we study is Spanish.

We do this at Key Stage One through playing word games, singing and using IT resources. Through this, we raise awareness of Spain as a country and Spanish as a language, using relevant vocabulary in a fun, interactive way.

At Key Stage Two, Spanish is taught in a whole-class setting by a language specialist and is therefore not reliant on one key member of staff as all staff have access to the Language Angels planning. Mrs. Priestman plans their lessons using the Language Angels scheme of work and she supplements this with her own ideas and experience and those of her colleagues. The lessons are designed to motivate, captivate and interest children from the first moment. They have clear, achievable objectives and incorporate different learning styles. SEN children have access to the curriculum through variation of task, grouping or support from an adult. Each class has a timetabled lesson of at least thirty minutes per week. Spanish can also be revisited in short sessions throughout the week to consolidate knowledge and ensure new language is retained. The emphasis is very much on developing vocabulary through enjoyment and interaction.

I. Forsyth

Foreign Languages Subject Leader