MFL Curriculum

Intent

At our school, the teaching of Spanish aims to inspire curiosity about languages and deepen pupils’ understanding of the world. Spanish is introduced from Year 3 onwards, providing a structured and consistent foundation throughout Key Stage 2.

We want all pupils—including those who are already learning English as an Additional Language (EAL)—to develop confidence, enjoyment, and a positive attitude towards multilingualism.

Through our Spanish curriculum we intend for pupils to:

• Acquire essential language skills that allow them to understand and express simple ideas verbally and in writing.
• Strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in ways that support literacy across languages.
• Recognise and value linguistic diversity, celebrating the fact that many pupils already use additional languages at home or in the community.
• Build intercultural understanding by exploring Spanish-speaking countries and comparing these with their own backgrounds and experiences.
• Leave primary school fully prepared for continued language learning at Key Stage 3.

Implementation

Spanish is taught in a structured, progressive programme from Year 3 to Year 6, following National Curriculum expectations.

At Dunn Street we have a language expert teaching our Spanish lessons by implementing:

• A sequenced scheme of learning ensures gradual progression in vocabulary, grammar, and core language skills.
• Learning from previous units is regularly revisited to strengthen retention and support EAL learners who may require additional exposure to language patterns.
• Weekly Spanish lessons delivered by our language specialist.
• Strong emphasis on spoken language, using modelling, repetition, songs, games, and paired dialogue.
• Progressive reading and writing with clear scaffolds, sentence frames, and visual supports to ensure accessibility for all pupils, including EAL learners.
• Drawing on pupils’ existing linguistic knowledge, enabling EAL learners to make connections between Spanish, English, and their home languages.
• High-quality resources such as stories, songs, manipulatives, and audiovisual materials support engagement and retention.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Dunn Street, they will:

• Communicate confidently in Spanish using familiar vocabulary, phrases, and simple sentences.
• Pronounce words accurately with increasing understanding of Spanish phonics.
• Apply key grammar concepts such as gender, adjective agreement, and simple verb forms.
• Use transferable language-learning strategies that benefit their English acquisition and future study of languages.
• Develop cultural appreciation, recognising similarities and differences between French-speaking cultures, their own cultures, and British life.
• Demonstrate positive attitudes towards languages and confidence as young linguists.
• Be well-prepared for Key Stage 3, equipped with secure foundations and enthusiasm for continued language learning.

spanish curriculum overview 2026 2028.pdf