The Teaching of Languages at St Mary and St Benedict

Curriculum Intent
At St Mary & St Benedict Catholic Primary School we teach a foreign language to all KS2 children as part of the normal school curriculum. We believe that many children enjoy learning to speak another language and that the earlier a child is exposed to a foreign language, the faster the language in question is acquired. 
We also believe that it is beneficial to introduce a new language to children when they are at primary school, as they tend to be less self-conscious about speaking aloud at this stage of their development. It is widely believed that the early acquisition of a foreign language facilitates the learning of other foreign languages later in life. 

At St Mary and St Benedict School all languages are celebrated and recognised. The children are introduced to the idea that there are many different languages and cultures in our community, and the world starting in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 through the topics they study.

At Key Stage 2 the children learn Spanish as part of the National Curriculum. They have the opportunity to work with a specialist language provider, who teaches Spanish lessons each week.

With the focus now on making substantial progress in one language from the start of Key Stage 2 and to continue through Key Stage 3, the decision was made to learn the same language as our main linked Secondary School, Bishop Ullathorne. This will provide our children with continuity in their language development and also a richer and more in depth knowledge of Spanish language and culture.