Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Curriculum - Spanish

The experience of learning and using a foreign language makes its unique contribution to the whole curriculum by taking children out of the familiar environment which is pervaded by English and allowing them to explore the life-style and culture of another land through the medium of its language. This in turn provides a satisfying, enjoyable, fun and intellectually challenging experience for children in coping with a different linguistic medium.
Opportunities are promoted at WDPS through children developing their skills of communication by listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. The study of a language involves practice of observational and study skills and committing to memory of useful material for subsequent recall. Use of role play can also develop creative and imaginative expertise as well as empathy and understanding. Use of Skype for communication can provide motivation for students and a situation where real and spontaneous language will have to be used.

WDPS is where the journey begins to equip children with a skill which is advantageous to high school education, adult life and work. Success in industry and commerce depends increasingly on our willingness and ability to communicate with potential customers in their own language. With the greater mobility of the work force within the European community it is very likely that children will later need to use a foreign language in employment. Others will use it for reading, travel, recreation and personal contacts, either at home or abroad.
All of the WDPS Core Values are incorporated into the languages curriculum, but especially being open-minded, enquirers and good communicators. The culture of the foreign country is explored in many of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) topics, where pupils have to compare one culture (its history, religion and geography) to another.