Intent, Implementation, Impact

Intent

At Haslam Park Primary School, we recognise the significant value of a high-quality languages curriculum. Many of our pupils are bilingual and demonstrate strong linguistic potential. We celebrate this strength and provide opportunities for all pupils to develop confidence and competence in language learning. Spanish is taught throughout Key Stage 2 as our modern foreign language. This decision was informed by research into local secondary school language provision, which identified Spanish as the language taught across all local secondary schools. We therefore selected Spanish to ensure pupils are well prepared for transition into Key Stage 3. In addition, Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, supporting our pupils in becoming culturally aware and globally minded citizens. All pupils — including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND — are entitled to a carefully sequenced language curriculum that develops secure skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our curriculum is informed by best practice in language pedagogy, placing strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, repetition, retrieval and retention to ensure knowledge is embedded in long-term memory. Language learning at Haslam Park is engaging and purposeful. Through songs, role-play, interactive activities and meaningful cross-curricular links, pupils develop enthusiasm, confidence and an understanding of how language connects to real-life contexts.

Implementation

All Key Stage 2 pupils receive a weekly Spanish lesson delivered by class teachers using the Primary Languages Network scheme of work and resources. This provides clear progression in knowledge, vocabulary and grammatical structures across the key stage while supporting teachers in delivering high-quality lessons. Learning is carefully sequenced to build cumulatively over time. Pupils revisit and apply previously taught vocabulary and structures to strengthen retention and fluency. Progression across the four key skills is explicit:

• Speaking: from simple words and short phrases to extended spoken responses, presentations and conversations using accurate pronunciation and grammar.
• Listening: from recognising familiar vocabulary to understanding longer passages and increasingly complex language.
• Reading: from decoding single words and short phrases to understanding stories and non fiction texts, including subject-specific vocabulary.
• Writing: from constructing simple phrases to producing extended pieces using joined sentences and increasingly accurate grammar. The curriculum is enriched through opportunities such as, celebration of European Day of Languages and pen pal links with other schools and cultural learning linked to Spanish-speaking countries.

Impact

Our languages curriculum fosters a love of language learning and equips pupils with secure foundational knowledge in Spanish. Pupils demonstrate increasing confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing, and can apply previously learned language with growing independence. Progress is measured through regular formative and summative assessment within lessons and half termly assessment of the four key skills on rotation. Pupil voice further evidence enjoyment, confidence and engagement in language learning. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils leave Haslam Park Primary School with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to succeed in Key Stage 3 languages and to engage as informed global citizens.