Foreign Languages
We believe it is important all children are given the opportunity to learn a foreign language. At Florence Nightingale Academy, our children are very lucky to learn not one but two foreign languages- Spanish and Mandarin.
As part of the National Curriculum, from 2014 in England learning a foreign language has been compulsory for Key Stage 2 children. Pupils at FNA are given a head-start, with weekly Mandarin lessons beginning in Reception.
It sets out the following Purpose of Study for learning a foreign language:
- To provide an opening to other cultures
- To foster pupils’ curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world
- To express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers
- To learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language
- To provide foundation for leaning future languages and equip pupils to study and work in other countries.
Mandarin
In Reception, children have a short Mandarin lesson based around songs and rhymes.
In Key Stage 1, children’s learning is based around simple vocabulary, songs and games. Through this, children start to hear the different sounds that occur in Mandarin and feel confident using key words and phrases. They begin to learn basic structure of Mandarin language and start their journey towards reading and writing in another language.
In Key Stage 2, pupils are encouraged to practice writing characters regularly and will be given the opportunity to practice their speaking and listening. Pupils who begin Mandarin in Year 1, should be able to understand around 200 words in Mandarin.
We ensure the process of learning Mandarin is enjoyable – a typical lesson is very interactive, packed with fun activities and games. Exploring aspects of Chinese culture is an integral part of the learning and where possible, references to Chinese culture, history and geography are incorporated into the language exercises. It is interesting and fun for the children to find out about China and the Chinese way of life and compare it with their own, we believe that this is essential when developing global citizens.
Spanish
Our Spanish curriculum ensures that all children are exposed to the Spanish language and culture through engaging and dynamic lessons. Children in both Key Stage One and Two enjoy weekly Spanish lessons, taught through Language Angels which offer authentic pronunciation and language modelling.
Key Stage 1 - Children have weekly 20-minute lessons, which focus primarily on Speaking and Listening. Lessons build vocabulary in age appropriate topics such as numbers, animals and Christmas!
Key Stage 2 - Children take part in weekly 45-minute lessons, which build on and develop the vocabulary learnt in Key Stage 1. There is more of a focus on sentence structure and grammar which enables pupils to have more authentic dialogues and communicate in a more accurate way.
Please see the link for the National Curriculum for languages - National Curriculum in Languages.
