Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish) at Smithdown Primary School

Intent

At Smithdown Primary School, together we grow as confident communicators and global citizens. Our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum introduces children to Spanish in a way that is engaging, inclusive and purposeful, fostering a lifelong love of language learning.

We believe that learning another language deepens pupils’ understanding of the world and helps them appreciate cultural diversity. Through enjoyable, interactive lessons, children develop key communication skills, broaden their vocabulary, and build confidence in speaking and listening — skills that also strengthen their understanding of English.

Our intent is that all pupils in Key Stage 2:

  • Develop curiosity about languages and an enthusiasm for learning.

  • Acquire basic skills and understanding in Spanish, focusing on listening, speaking, reading and writing.

  • Gain insight into Spanish-speaking cultures, traditions and ways of life, building respect and empathy.

  • Build a foundation for future language study and global awareness.

Implementation

Spanish is taught weekly by our specialist teacher, Señorita Ana, who delivers engaging, high-quality lessons across Key Stage 2. Her expertise ensures accurate pronunciation, strong progression, and cultural authenticity.

Our curriculum follows a carefully planned sequence, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon prior knowledge each year. Lessons are active and inclusive, using songs, games, storytelling, role play and conversation to support pronunciation and confidence in speaking and listening.

Across KS2, pupils:

  • Learn vocabulary and structures that allow them to communicate ideas about themselves, their interests, and everyday situations.

  • Develop grammatical understanding appropriate to their age and stage.

  • Engage with written and spoken Spanish, gradually progressing from single words and short phrases to sentences and paragraphs.

  • Explore authentic materials such as songs, stories, and cultural artefacts from Spanish-speaking countries.

  • Make links between Spanish and other curriculum areas, particularly literacy, geography and cultural studies.

Cultural awareness is woven throughout lessons — celebrating festivals, traditions and the similarities and differences between life in Spain, Latin America and the UK. Teachers support and assess pupils through observation, questioning and short written or oral tasks, ensuring all learners make steady progress.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at Smithdown:

  • Have developed a growing vocabulary and understanding of basic grammar in Spanish.

  • Can engage in simple conversations, read and write short texts, and demonstrate accurate pronunciation.

  • Show confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for language learning.

  • Appreciate the value of learning another language as a tool for connection and understanding in a multicultural world.

  • Demonstrate awareness and respect for other cultures, living out our school motto, “Together We Grow.”

Our MFL curriculum prepares pupils not only for future study of languages at secondary school but also for life in a global society — helping them become open-minded, confident and culturally aware citizens.

Please click on the links below for a more detail about our Spanish curriculum:

National Curriculum Language Programme of Study KS2 

Smithdown Primary School KS2 Overview for Spanish 

Y3 Knowledge Organiser

Y4 Knowledge Organiser

Y5 Knowledge Organiser

Y6 Knowledge Organiser

chatter icon

MFL Chatter

chatter icon

International Mother Language day

05-03-2025

We loved sharing our languages last week and teaching children different words. Some children even wanted to record these so that we could share our language with others. We have some excellent little teachers in class!

102
chatter icon

Year 4 Ukulele

26-02-2025

We love our Wednesday morning ukulele lessons.

71
chatter icon

Where do you live… ( in Spanish)?

13-01-2025

Accommodation and places today in Spanish ….

82
chatter icon

Calligraphy with the Arabic alphabet

06-12-2024

Today in our art lesson we looked at different examples of Arabic calligraphy and have had a go at our own.

537
chatter icon

Celebrating differences 🌎

03-12-2024

For our PSHE lesson we are celebrating differences. In previous weeks we have spoken about racism, bullying and rumours and now we are researching a range of countries and what their culture looks like.

542
chatter icon

Hola! Spanish writing today

02-12-2024

Hola! We worked on our Spanish vocabulary today …

87
chatter icon

Spanish lesson about to begin … 🇪🇸

14-10-2024

The topic for today includes asking and stating how old people are along with jobs and professions.

87
chatter icon

Year 1 loved Spanish day!

10-07-2024

455
chatter icon

Spanish day! 🇪🇸

08-07-2024

Amazing dancing from Year 3, everyone really got into it.

132
chatter icon

Spanish Day!

08-07-2024

What a great Spanish day! Red and yellow everywhere 🇪🇸. Can’t wait for food and dancing later.

 

130
chatter icon

Spanish Menus

24-06-2024

After learning about Spanish food & drink, we spent some time designing our own menus, including the prices in Euros.

114