Foreign Languages
“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
Chinese Proverb
At Elmridge, our intent is to develop confident communicators who are curious about the wider world and prepared to become international learners. Through the teaching of Spanish, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to communicate in another language whilst gaining an appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.
Our Spanish curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils develop secure knowledge of the three key pillars of language learning: phonics, vocabulary and grammar. Through these interconnected strands, children learn how sounds, words and sentence structures work together to enable effective communication. Through listening, speaking, reading and writing, pupils progressively build their understanding of Spanish and develop the confidence needed to communicate with increasing accuracy and independence.
Spanish at Elmridge promotes cultural awareness and global understanding. Through learning about Spanish-speaking countries, traditions and ways of life, children develop respect for diversity and a deeper understanding of the wider world. We want pupils to recognise the value of language in connecting people and creating opportunities beyond their immediate experiences.
Our curriculum reflects our values of Challenge, Care and Collaboration. Children are encouraged to take risks when communicating in an unfamiliar language, support one another in their learning and show respect for different cultures and viewpoints. Through high expectations and adaptive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to access and succeed within the full Spanish curriculum.
Spanish at Elmridge is taught through the Language Angels scheme, which provides engaging and progressive learning experiences that build children’s understanding over time. Lessons are carefully sequenced to develop knowledge of phonics, vocabulary and grammar alongside an understanding of how language works and how communication is influenced by culture and context.
Teachers use explicit instruction, modelling and retrieval practice to help pupils develop secure language knowledge. Vocabulary, phonics and grammatical structures are introduced systematically and revisited regularly so that children can remember more and apply their learning with increasing confidence. Opportunities to listen, speak, read and write are embedded throughout the curriculum to support effective language development.
Our approach to disciplinary knowledge enables children to think like linguists. Pupils explore patterns within language, compare Spanish with English and investigate how words and sentences are constructed. Through this, they develop a deeper understanding of language systems and become increasingly reflective language learners.
Communication sits at the heart of Spanish learning at Elmridge. Through songs, games, role play and discussion, children regularly practise and apply their language skills in meaningful contexts. Teachers use questioning and retrieval activities to deepen understanding, address misconceptions and strengthen long-term retention.
Learning is enriched through cultural experiences, themed language days and opportunities to explore aspects of life within Spanish-speaking communities. These experiences help children understand the relevance of language learning and encourage aspiration towards future study, travel and employment opportunities.
Adaptive teaching strategies ensure all pupils can access ambitious language learning. Appropriate support and challenge enable every child to succeed whilst maintaining high expectations for all learners.
At Elmridge, we are committed to developing pupils who can communicate with confidence, engage with different cultures and approach language learning with curiosity. Through an ambitious and progressive curriculum, children develop secure linguistic knowledge alongside the confidence to apply their learning in a range of contexts.
1. Secure and Connected Language Knowledge
Building Linguistic Understanding
Children develop secure knowledge of phonics, vocabulary and grammar through carefully sequenced learning that builds over time. They can recall previously taught language and apply it with increasing accuracy when communicating in Spanish.
Making Connections
Children identify patterns within language and make links between Spanish, English and other languages. This strengthens their understanding of how language works and supports wider communication skills.
2. Communicating Like Linguists
Language Skills Development
Pupils become increasingly proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing. They are able to understand spoken and written language whilst expressing their own ideas with growing confidence and independence.
Effective Communication
Children use an expanding range of vocabulary and language structures to communicate meaning. They can respond to questions, express simple opinions and adapt previously learned language to new situations.
3. Curiosity and Cultural Understanding
Developing International Learners
Children develop an awareness of the wider world through their study of Spanish-speaking countries and communities. They gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and understand that language is an important part of identity and communication.
Positive Learning Behaviours
Pupils show resilience when faced with challenge and are willing to take risks when using unfamiliar language. They work collaboratively, learn from mistakes and demonstrate increasing confidence as language learners.
4. Aspiration and Achievement
Strong Outcomes
Children achieve highly from their individual starting points because learning is carefully sequenced and expectations remain ambitious. They leave primary school with a secure foundation in Spanish and the confidence to continue learning.
Preparing for the Future
By the end of Year 6, pupils understand the value of learning a language and the opportunities it can provide. They are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and cultural awareness needed to continue their language-learning journey beyond Elmridge.
Wilton Drive, Hale Barns
Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 0JF
Call us: 0161 980 4941
Link takes you to our Instagram page ElmridgePrimarySchool
