Rusper Primary School

At Rusper Primary School, we believe that learning a foreign language opens the door to understanding the wider world. Our Modern Foreign Languages curriculum aims to inspire curiosity, confidence and a lifelong interest in language learning.

From Year 3 to Year 6, pupils learn Spanish, developing the skills to listen, speak, read and write in another language while gaining an appreciation of different cultures and traditions.

Our curriculum is designed to:

Develop accurate pronunciation and phonics awareness
Build vocabulary and grammatical understanding
Encourage communication and confidence in speaking
Foster cultural awareness and global understanding
Prepare pupils for continued language learning at secondary school

We also celebrate the diversity of our school community, recognising that language learning helps pupils appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

Cultural Understanding

Language learning at Rusper goes beyond vocabulary and grammar.

Pupils explore the culture, geography and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries, learning about:

Spanish cities and landmarks
traditional foods and celebrations
music, art and festivals
the global influence of the Spanish language

Each year we also hold a whole-school Culture Day, where every class studies a different country. Children:

come to school wearing the colours of the country’s flag
explore the country through language, geography, history, art and food
learn key phrases and greetings
celebrate the diversity within our own school community

This immersive experience allows pupils to understand that language is deeply connected to identity, culture and global citizenship.

Our Implementation

At Rusper Primary School, Spanish is taught from Year 3 to Year 6 using the Kapow Primary Languages scheme, which provides a structured and progressive approach to language learning.

Lessons are designed around three key pillars of language learning:

Phonics and pronunciation – helping pupils recognise sound patterns and pronounce words accurately
Vocabulary and grammar – building language knowledge and sentence construction
Language comprehension and production – developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills

The Kapow curriculum ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum for Languages, including opportunities for pupils to listen attentively, respond to spoken language, speak in sentences, read carefully and write phrases from memory.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Rusper Primary School, they will:

have a secure foundation in Spanish phonics and vocabulary
be able to hold simple conversations and express opinions
demonstrate confidence when speaking a foreign language
understand how language connects to culture and global communities
be well prepared to continue language learning at secondary school

Most importantly, pupils leave Rusper with a curiosity about the wider world and respect for different cultures and languages.

Enrichment Opportunities

To enhance language learning, pupils also experience:

Culture Day celebrations
cross-curricular links with geography, art and history
music, songs and storytelling from Spanish-speaking cultures
collaborative language games and performances