Grendon Underwood – Languages

 

Intent

The intention of the languages curriculum at Grendon Underwood Combined School is that all children in K.S.1 and K.S.2 are taught, on a weekly basis, to develop an interest in learning other languages in an enjoyable and stimulating way. We encourage children’s confidence, self-esteem and curiosity to learn about other cultures. We embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Our aims for teaching  languages are to:

  • engage children.
  • nurture their tolerance and openness to other cultures and traditions.
  • foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world.
  • develop their knowledge of grammatical rules and patterns.
  • encourage cooperation and collaboration.
  • promote the relevance and usefulness of knowing other languages.

 

Implementation

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • listen carefully to spoken language.
  • show understanding through conversational practice and appropriate responses.
  • engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and be receptive to other points of view.
  • speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures.
  • develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand.
  • extend their range of vocabulary through language games, reading texts, video clips and the use of word mats or bilingual dictionaries.
  • explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs, rhymes, raps, poems, texts or by listening to native speaker visitors.
  •  improve their memory and recall through practical, kinaesthetic activities.
  • link the spelling, sound and meaning of words.
  • communicate, independently, but often working in pairs or groups on language tasks or role-plays.
  • read carefully to show understanding of words , phrases and simple writing.
  • write phrases from memory and adapt these to build new sentences.
  • understand basic grammar such as feminine, masculine and/or neuter forms; the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; recognise the similarities and differences in sentence structure compared with English.
  • use I.C.T. resources and aids such as language websites and APPs ( e.g. Duolingo).
  • become familiar and fluent with classroom instructions given as frequently as possible in the target language.
  • use contextual and pictorial clues or visual prompts and gestures as learning aids.
  • develop their use of transactional vocabulary in scenarios such as buying items in a shop or asking for directions in an unfamiliar town.
  • realise the relevance and use of other languages in our modern, global society.
  • compare and contrast our culture with the beliefs, historical background, landmarks, architecture and artists of other countries.
  • take part in unfamiliar customs and traditions.

 

Impact

  • language learning showcased through high profile events such as the French Breakfast, la fête des rois celebrations and the Martinstag procession.
  • constructive feedback from pupils and parents.
  • interesting displays with examples of good work.
  • confident learners who continue their studies to G.C.S.E. and/or  A-Level.
  •  book looks.
  • native speaker visits.
  •  good links with catchment secondary schools.

 

Useful Websites and Apps