Spanish

The main focus of MFL at Ben Jonson is to provide high quality language education that fosters pupils' curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world.  We aim to deliver fun, engaging lessons where pupils are given lots of opportunities to develop their skills to express their ideas and thoughts in our chosen language - Spanish - enabling everyone to contribute to the development of a more tolerant society. 

Although it is only explicitly taught from years 3-6, we believe that introducing the pupils to the language as early as possible is best. So, here at Ben Jonson, you will often find pupils in EYFS and KS1 singing songs and learning the Spanish alphabet as well as other simple phrases in Spanish. 

All KS2 classes receive weekly Spanish lessons, planned and delivered by their own class teachers with the focus on learning to speak, listen to, read and write in the language. With lots of repetition and engaging games to help commit the learning to memory, Spanish lessons are always interactive and enjoyable.  There is a clear progression of skills which incorporates new learning while recapping on previous teaching helping to build a good foundation for further foreign language teaching at KS3.

What will our linguists be able to do when they leave us?

By the end of their time at Ben Jonson Primary School our Year 6 linguists will have developed an appreciation and respect for other cultures. They will be equipped with the necessary skills to communicate and express their ideas, at a basic level, in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and writing. They will have learnt basic Spanish phonics and vocabulary through a wide variety of topics, using songs, games and stories to enhance and consolidate their learning. They will have planned and participated in experiences that will have built their confidence in speaking Spanish to an audience and increased their enjoyment of this language.

Fun, interactive Spanish lessons in KS2

Spanish Phrase of the Week

Every Friday, during our celebration assembly, we share the Spanish Phrase of the Week. 

This enables all the children and adults around the school to engage in speaking Spanish together to build their confidence while having lots of fun!

Spanish Themed Day to celebrate European Day of Languages

On Monday 26^th September 2022, everyone at Ben Jonson School celebrated European Day of Languages.  We held a Spanish themed day with staff and children coming into school wearing something yellow or red.  During our whole school assembly, we learnt about the importance of learning additional languages and even learnt a new Spanish song at the end.  Adults who went on the ERAMUS+ training held activities around the school to make sure everyone had a chance to take part.  Class teachers also held Spanish themed activities in their classrooms to support further fun and learning!  Lamisi, our head chef, along with her staff offered paella and Spanish omelettes to all the children and staff during school lunch.  Everyone had such an amazing day! 

ERASMUS+ Training

During summer 2019, we successfully secured ERASMUS+ funding to enable sixteen staff members to participate in a special training programme in Spanish. During the October 2019 half term, eight members of Ben Jonson staff went to Spain to attend Malaca Instituto to develop their linguistic skills as well as their pedagogical understanding of teaching a language. A second group of eight adults attended the Instituto during the February 2022 half term.

During the both trips, staff spent the entire week attending Spanish classes from 8:30 in the morning till 2:00 in the afternoon and spent the rest of their time immersing themselves in Spanish culture through various activities.  To consolidate the learning in Spain, the participants attended further ten Spanish lessons in the UK. Since completing the training, the participants have been actively supporting planning and teaching across the school

Spanish - Termly Overviews

MFL Units
MFL Unit 1 About Myself
MFL Unit 2 Family and Friends
MFL Unit 3 Free Time
MFL Unit 4 Likes and Dislikes
MFL Unit 5 Telling the time and Favorite things