At Abington Vale we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils. It helps them to develop communication skills including key skills of speaking and listening and extends their knowledge of how language works. Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.
At our school, we teach French to our Key Stage 2 children using the Catherine Cheater scheme of work. Written for language learners in the primary school, these innovative and easily adaptable schemes progressively develop children's language learning skills and reinforce their literacy.
The aims of Primary Languages teaching at Abington Vale are to:
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foster an interest in language learning by introducing children to other languages in a way that is enjoyable and accessible to all pupils;
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stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language and creativity in experimenting with it;
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support oracy and literacy, and in particular develop speaking and listening skills;
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help children develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences;
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lay the foundations for future language study by pupils;
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provide an added perspective on first language teaching and learning;
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give an extra dimension to teaching and learning across the curriculum.
Primary Languages teaching at Abington Vale is fully inclusive and no child is excluded. Language learning activities are planned in such a way as to encourage the full and active participation of all pupils.