Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages at Eastwood Village Primary School
At Eastwood Village Primary School we are keen to promote the study of a foreign language because of its increasing importance in the modern world. This has been recognised in the National Languages Strategy ‘Languages for All, Languages for Life’ where there is the commitment to give every child between the ages of 7 and 11 the entitlement to learn a new language. There is also increasing recognition that enriching the curriculum and releasing children’s creative energy through sport, drama, music and languages reinforces their understanding of the basics and helps them enjoy a broader, more balanced curriculum.
In the United Kingdom it tends to be ignored that 60-70% of the world’s population is bilingual, in the sense that they have acquired a functional use of two or more languages. In many countries outside the U.K. major attempts are being made to introduce languages to young learners and in Europe most children learn a foreign language at primary school. In some European countries children are ready to start a third language by the age of 11. Here at Eastwood Village we have a high proportion of children that already speak and understand 2 or more languages, therefore by learning another European language these children will be building their language skills further.
At primary age children are still very malleable and receptive to learning a language and it is proven that a young child’s brain is uniquely well adapted for language learning, especially in the first 10 years of life. We are discovering, in this country, that we underestimate what our children can achieve and language learning is now being put firmly on the agenda in all phases of education and training. There is now an entitlement to language learning for pupils at Key Stage 2 and the DFES want primary schools to ‘embed language learning into the curriculum.
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 and intellectually challenging experience for children in coping with a different linguistic medium.
Opportunities are promoted through children developing their skills of communication by listening, speaking, reading and writing. The study of a language involves practise 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.
Effective foreign language learning equips 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
Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum
At Eastwood Village Primary School, all pupils learn the language of Italian, which originates from Latin. In line with the school’s philosophy around global citizenship, language learning will broaden their horizons, encourage them to step beyond cultural boundaries and develop new way of seeing the world. To support early language development, the school follows a programme designed by a language specialist which begins in EYFS up to Year 6. The school also follows some of the ‘Language Angels programme and guidance to support children’s learning in school and at home.
Italian Phonetic lessons 1-4
Lesson 1- Vowel sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwUQHOHZ2kw
Lesson 2- Consonant sounds C GL GN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7QkkRmJIgg
Lesson 3 – More consonant sounds- S Z Double consonants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqdFqpwg8zs
Lesson 4- Accents