Welcome to our Languages Page!
Languages Purpose of study
Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education should foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. The teaching should enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It should also provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language. Language teaching should provide the foundation for learning further languages, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries.
Source: National Curriculum, 2014
Intent:
At Kingfisher, our curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:
Our Vision for Languages at Kingfisher
At Kingfisher Primary School, we take a skills-based approach to our Languages Curriculum and follow the National Curriculum to create imaginative and innovative language learners. Throughout their time with us, children have the opportunity to develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in French. We believe every child can love learning another language and have lots of fun learning new words and phrases through songs, rhymes, and games. Our children love learning to write in French too and keep a record of all vocabulary learned! We are incredibly proud of how our children acquire a love of languages during their time here.
What does Languages look like at Kingfisher?
At Kingfisher Primary School we want to instil a love of languages and curiosity about different cultures and beliefs. Through following the National Curriculum, alongside high expectations, our Key Stage 2 children are taught French and develop the four skills- speaking, listening, reading and writing in the target language. We encourage our pupils to develop their resilience and problem solving skills when deciphering new vocabulary and foster an engaging, safe and supportive approach when exploring new language. Children are supported and encouraged to write independently and to speak in French during lessons. New language is taught and revisited to encourage working memory for all children. The children particularly enjoy learning new language and expressing their opinions. Actions, songs, drawings and games are used to encourage the children to actively be involved in the language learning process.
Year 3
In Year 3, children learn to:
• say and write basic numbers, greetings and dates
• express opinions
• name different body parts
• sing songs
• learn about different animals
• discuss food items
• describe their school day.
Year 4
In Year 4, children learn to:
• say and write what they do in the playground
• express opinions
• describe their home
• sing songs
• describe their town
• describe themselves and characters
• discuss different sports and express their opinions on these.
Year 5
In Year 5, children learn to:
• say, write and describe the seasons
• express opinions
• describe a school trip
• sing songs
• describe their hobbies
• order food and drink at a restaurant and at a market
• discuss different holidays and express their opinions on these
• discuss the environment.
Year 6
In Year 6, children learn to:
• say, write and describe different actions
• express opinions
• describe France
• sing songs
• describe their family
• describe what they would do on a weekend with friends in detail
• discuss the future
• discuss different jobs.
What do our children think about Languages at Kingfisher?
"I like talking about pets in French." - Abbie, Year 3.
"I like to say 'Hello' in French... Bonjour!"- Aoife, Year 3.
"I like drawing pictures to help me learn." - Emily, Year 3.
"I like learning a different language." - Oliver G, Year 3.
"I like learning about new languages and can't wait to have a French pen pal!" - Aimee, Year 4.
"I like singing the songs in French,"- Noah, Year 4.
"I like learning new things in French." - Jessie, Year 4.
"I like that there is lots of different accents." - Dexter, Year 4.
"I like speaking different languages." - Holly-Mai, Year 4.
"I like listening to the French accent." - Michael, Year 5.
"I find it interesting to learn the phrases." - Evie Gu, Year 5.
"I like learning about different subjects." - Jane, Year 5.
"I like trying French food; especially baguettes." - Aaron, Year 5.
"I love learning how to spell the different words."- Haiden, Year 5.
"I like drawing pictures to help me remember the words." - Cameron, Year 6.
"I like having competitions with my classmates."- Theo, Year 6.
"I like talking about school in another language." - Aoife, Year 6.
"It's cool to learn about another language." - Luke, Year 6.
" I like French because it's useful if you went abroad and you can learn a new language." - Mia, Year 6.
European Day of Languages
On the 26th September each year, Kingfisher Primary participated in European Day of Languages. This is a wonderful day whereby the children are given the opportunity to learn about another language, taste food, explore the Geography of spoken countries for the language and embrace a different culture. The children love experiencing the day with different year groups and it is always lovely to have the whole school involved- encouraging our younger learners to initiate their love of language learning.
Here is a breakdown of the languages covered on the day.
Nursery - Spanish 🇪🇸
Reception, Years 1 and 5 - French 🇫🇷
Years 2 and 3 – German 🇩🇪
Years 4 and 6 – Italian 🇮🇹
Below are some pictures from our Languages Day 2023!
International Link: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
This year, our Year 5s and 6s have established a connection with a French Middle School in the North of Calais. Pupils from Jean-Jacques Rousseau Middle School in Avion have been paired with our Year 5s and 6s to practise their language and establish a pen pal relationship. Already, the children have exchanged their voice messages of introduction, practising their speaking in French and English. This connection has also helped our children to listen to and respond to authentic French speakers! We are all so excited to have established this connection and can’t wait to see the friendships and knowledge which this has to offer our pupils!