Intent

We aim to deliver language lessons that encourage our children to explore a language, gradually building up their knowledge of words and phrases and furthering their understanding of a new language and culture. We aim to provide them with a foundation that will equip them for further language studies at Secondary School.

At The Dassett C of E Primary we also want to:

• Foster an interest in learning other languages
• Promote positive attitudes towards language learning through a range of activities
• Introduce children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun
• Make children aware that language has structure, and that the structure differs from one language to another
• Help children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries
• Develop children’s speaking and listening skills, as well as their phonological awareness
• Lay the foundations for future study

Implementation

Pupils will be taught to: 

• listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding 
• explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words 
• engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help 
• speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures 
• develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases 
• present ideas and information orally
• read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing 
• appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language 
• broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary 
• write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly 
• describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing 
• understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English. 

•  Key Stage 1 children will experience other languages through for example the register, counting, song and rhyme.

• In Key Stage 2 French will be taught weekly.
• Other languages will be taught where there is a link to other curriculum areas – for example German Christmas carols, Chinese New Year, European Day of Languages, etc.

We have previously used Twinkl PlanIt as the scheme for our languages teaching but have recently trialled and moved to Twinkl's new Lightning Languages scheme. This is a curriculum that can be used flexibly and with mixed-aged classes. A curriculum map will be coming soon but currently:

• Year 3/4 will be studying 'The Body' and 'Colours' as their Spring Term 2025 units. 
• Year 5/6 will be studying 'TV and Film' as their first unit in the Spring Term 2025. 

Impact

From their differing starting points, all children will make good progress through engaging in lessons, themed events and being exposed to vocabulary around the school. Above all, children will feel a real sense of accomplishment when they learn to say something new and foster a respect for learning languages.