Modern Languages Policy

January 2018

Modern Languages Policy

Rationale

The study of Modern Languages enables children and young people to make connections with different peoples and their cultures and to play a fuller part as global citizens. They develop their ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings and respond to those of other people. Pupils extend their knowledge of how language works which reinforces knowledge skills and understanding developed in other curriculum areas. Early introduction to other languages provides an international dimension to a pupil’s learning and gives them a deeper insight into their own communities, those of Europe and the wider world.

Aims

In line with Education Scotland’s 1+2 ‘Language Learning: Principles and Practice’, at Aberuthven, we aim to develop pupils’ ‘communicative competence’ so that they are able to use French and/ or Spanish effectively in real situations and so that they see language learning as having valuable skills for life and work. Our aim is that each pupil should achieve the highest level of performance of which he or she is capable in every aspect- talking, listening and writing in French and Spanish.

The aims of Modern Languages study are:

To give early exposure to hear other spoken languages.

To give opportunities to learn rhymes, songs, alphabet, poems and stories in other languages.

To give opportunities to explore other cultures and aspects such as festivals, story telling and geography especially where it links with a topic being studied.

To provide opportunities for children to consolidate their learning in aspects of English and literacy such as speaking and listening skills, phonic knowledge to assist with spelling and reading and understanding of grammatical structures and sentence construction to assist with writing.

To provide opportunities to consolidate aspects of mathematics such as counting, calculations, money, time and the date.

To provide further opportunities for the use of ICT, for example email and Facetime with schools abroad and using resources from the internet.

Objectives:

To promote:

Linguistic development

Social development

Cultural awareness

The ability to use simple French and Spanish vocabulary in simple conversations.

Challenge with an emphasis on success and enjoyment.

Curriculum Content and Organisation

The teaching of Modern Languages at Aberuthven Primary School is in line with Scottish Education’s 1 +2 policy, with reference to the Primary Language Learning Overarching framework. There is an emphasis on talking and listening, however our programmes of study focus on some reading and written work. Skills are taught and developed through a fun multi media approach with pupils given every opportunity to hear the target languages spoken by native speakers. They are linked to Topics wherever possible.

Teaching and learning style

Modern Languages are taught in line with the Teaching and Learning policy. It is recommended that teachers devote 20-30 minutes per week but this can be split throughout the week if they choose so that teaching is relevant and in context. Teachers of P1-3 may find that the use of rhymes, action songs etc is more appropriate for their class.

Resources and Planning

Aberuthven Primary School currently uses Yearly Planners and associated resources by language topic found on Education Scotland website under 1+2 Modern Languages section. These are supplemented where possible by additional resources and downloaded displays.

Assessment and Recording

Teachers assess children informally during the lessons, evaluating progress against established success criteria by year group.

Staff Development

The active participation of all staff is necessary for the successful implementation of school policy. This includes support staff who work with individuals and groups to aid the development of language skills.

Staff can identify a need to gain training or staff development in a particular aspect of teaching through the Professional Review and Development Process.

Equal opportunities

Language learning is inclusive and for all children.

Review date: December 2021