Languages at Oldfield
The Languages Curriculum at Oldfield follows the National Curriculum, aiming to introduce pupils to a foreign language and foster a love for language learning. It focuses on developing pupils’ communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while laying the foundation for further language study in secondary school.
Aims of the Languages Curriculum
The curriculum aims to ensure pupils:
Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of sources.
Develop speaking skills, including expressing ideas and opinions with confidence.
Write phrases and short texts for practical purposes.
Appreciate songs, poems, stories, and cultural traditions in another language.
Build a solid foundation for further language learning in Key Stage 3.
Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11)
Languages are introduced in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6), where pupils develop practical skills and confidence in a foreign language. At Oldfield we focus on French.
Pupils:
Listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by responding and participating.
Learn to speak with accurate pronunciation, using basic vocabulary and phrases for conversation.
Develop skills in reading and understanding short passages, such as stories, instructions, or factual texts.
Learn to write simple sentences and phrases using key vocabulary, grammar, and model examples.
Begin to understand basic grammar rules, including gender, singular and plural forms, and simple verb conjugation.
Broaden their understanding of other cultures, including traditions, celebrations, and daily life in the target language country.
Example activities include learning songs, role-playing simple conversations, writing postcards, or exploring stories and poems in the chosen language.
Progression and Integration
The curriculum encourages steady progression in language learning, with increasing confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Pupils are also introduced to cultural awareness, helping them appreciate the richness and diversity of other cultures.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils should be able to:
Communicate in simple conversations.
Read and understand basic texts.
Write short pieces for practical purposes.
This foundation ensures that pupils are well-prepared to continue language learning in Key Stage 3 and develop as confident global citizens.