Vision

At Byker Primary School, our vision is to inspire a love of languages and develop confident, curious and ambitious learners who recognise the importance of communication in an increasingly connected world. Through learning Spanish, we aim to broaden children's horizons, celebrate cultural diversity and nurture an appreciation of different languages, traditions and ways of life.

We believe that learning another language opens doors to new experiences, friendships and opportunities. Our Spanish curriculum encourages children to be resilient when learning unfamiliar vocabulary and language structures, respectful of different cultures and identities, collaborative when communicating with others and ambitious in developing their confidence and fluency.

Through meaningful language learning and cultural exploration, we want every child to recognise that their voice matters and that language is a powerful tool for connecting with others. Our curriculum promotes inclusion, equality and belonging, encouraging children to value differences, challenge stereotypes and develop mutual respect and understanding.

Intent

At Byker Primary School, our Spanish curriculum is designed to provide all children in Key Stage 2 with a progressive, engaging and inclusive introduction to learning a modern foreign language. We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, vocabulary and communication skills needed to understand and use Spanish with increasing independence, accuracy and confidence.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from Year 3 to Year 6, enabling children to build upon prior learning, revisit essential vocabulary and apply their developing knowledge in increasingly complex and meaningful contexts.

Spanish learning is underpinned by four substantive concepts, which provide a consistent foundation throughout the curriculum:

• Vocabulary: Developing a broad and secure understanding of Spanish words and phrases, enabling pupils to communicate about familiar topics and everyday experiences.

• Structure: Understanding how Spanish is organised, including grammar, sentence construction, word order and agreement, so pupils can communicate with increasing accuracy.

• Communication: Developing the confidence and ability to listen, speak, read and write in Spanish, using language purposefully to ask questions, express opinions and engage in conversations.

• Culture: Exploring the traditions, celebrations, geography and everyday lives of Spanish-speaking communities, fostering curiosity, cultural awareness and respect for diversity.

These concepts are developed through five progressive language skills: comprehension, speaking and pronunciation, writing and composition, grammar, and intercultural understanding.

Our curriculum begins in Year 3 with greetings, introductions, numbers, classroom vocabulary and simple questions. As pupils progress through Key Stage 2, they develop the ability to describe animals, family members and interests, express opinions, hold conversations and use Spanish in practical situations such as ordering food, shopping, making travel plans and asking for directions.

By Year 6, we intend for pupils to confidently apply familiar vocabulary and grammatical structures to communicate ideas, explain preferences, justify opinions and participate in more sustained conversations. Children will also develop the skills to read and understand familiar texts and produce increasingly independent written responses.

Cultural understanding is a golden thread throughout our Spanish curriculum. Children explore Spanish schools, food, celebrations, cities, traditions and everyday life, making meaningful comparisons with their own experiences and communities. Through these opportunities, pupils develop an appreciation of cultural similarities and differences, promoting British values of mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty and an understanding of the wider world.

We are committed to ensuring that Spanish is accessible and enjoyable for every learner, regardless of background, starting point or additional need. Through carefully structured learning, opportunities for repetition, speaking and listening, collaborative activities and purposeful communication, children are supported to participate, succeed and develop confidence.

Ultimately, our intention is that children leave Byker Primary School with a secure foundation in Spanish, positive attitudes towards language learning and the confidence to embrace future opportunities. We want our pupils to become respectful, resilient and ambitious global citizens who recognise the value of communication, celebrate diversity and understand that learning another language helps us connect with the world around