Languages
Languages at Penwortham Primary School
At Penwortham Primary School, our Languages curriculum aims to develop pupils’ curiosity, confidence and understanding of the wider world through the learning of a foreign language. We want pupils to enjoy learning languages, communicate with increasing confidence and develop respect for different cultures and ways of life.
Our approach to Languages reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, helping pupils to see themselves as global citizens who are curious, respectful and open to new experiences.
Intent
Our Languages curriculum is designed to:
develop pupils’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in a foreign language
build secure foundations in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar
develop pupils’ confidence to communicate for different purposes
encourage curiosity and respect for different cultures and communities
help pupils understand similarities and differences between languages
We aim to ensure that pupils leave primary school with the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to continue language learning successfully in the next stage of their education.
Implementation - Our Languages Journey
Language learning begins in Key Stage 2, where pupils learn French through a carefully sequenced curriculum.
In Year 3, pupils are introduced to basic vocabulary, sounds and simple phrases, developing confidence in listening and speaking. As pupils move through Years 4, 5 and 6, they build on this foundation, developing their ability to listen, speak, read and write with increasing accuracy and complexity.
Across the school, pupils develop their understanding of:
pronunciation and phonics in a foreign language
vocabulary and sentence structure
grammatical patterns, including verbs and adjectives
cultural knowledge of France and French-speaking countries
Learning is carefully planned to revisit and build on prior knowledge, ensuring progression and depth over time.
How Languages Are Taught
Languages are taught using the Language Angels scheme, which provides a structured, progressive approach aligned with the National Curriculum.
Lessons support pupils to:
listen attentively and respond to spoken language
speak with increasing confidence and accuracy
read and understand familiar words and phrases
write short phrases and sentences using known vocabulary
develop an understanding of grammar and sentence structure
Cultural understanding is an important part of language learning. Pupils explore traditions, landmarks, celebrations and daily life in France and other French-speaking countries, helping them develop respect and appreciation for different cultures.
Lessons are inclusive and adapted where needed to ensure all pupils can participate and succeed.
Impact
As a result of our Languages curriculum, pupils:
develop confidence and enjoyment in learning a foreign language
communicate using simple spoken and written language
demonstrate secure understanding of vocabulary and grammar appropriate to their age
show curiosity and respect for different cultures and communities
are well prepared for further language learning in secondary school
Pupils leave Penwortham Primary School with a positive attitude towards language learning and an understanding of the importance of communication in a global world.
Languages Subject Leader Impact Statement
The Languages curriculum at Penwortham Primary School is regularly reviewed to ensure it is ambitious, well sequenced and accessible to all pupils. The subject leader monitors teaching and learning through lesson visits, work scrutiny, pupil voice and review of assessment information to ensure pupils are building knowledge and skills progressively across Key Stage 2.
The use of the Language Angels scheme ensures consistency, clear progression and appropriate challenge in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Staff are supported through clear curriculum guidance and shared resources, ensuring pupils develop confidence in pronunciation, vocabulary and sentence structure.
As a result, pupils are confident and enthusiastic language learners who can communicate using age-appropriate language, understand key grammatical structures and show curiosity and respect for other cultures. Pupils are well prepared for continued language learning at secondary school.
Assessment in Languages
Assessment in Languages at Penwortham Primary School is closely aligned to the curriculum and focuses on how securely pupils are learning the intended knowledge and skills over time.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment within lessons to check pupils’ understanding of vocabulary, pronunciation and sentence structure. This includes listening to pupils speak, reviewing written work and observing how confidently pupils respond to spoken language.
Summative assessment is used at planned points to check how securely pupils have learned the curriculum content and to identify any areas requiring further practice or support. Assessment information is used to inform teaching and ensure pupils are supported to meet curriculum expectations, rather than to generate unnecessary data.
Leaders use assessment information to evaluate the impact of the Languages curriculum, ensuring pupils are developing confidence and competence across listening, speaking, reading and writing as they move through Key Stage 2.
Languages, British Values and PSHE
Languages at Penwortham Primary School play an important role in promoting British Values and supporting pupils’ personal, social and cultural development.
Through learning a foreign language, pupils develop:
Mutual respect and tolerance by exploring different cultures, traditions and ways of life
Individual liberty by expressing themselves in a new language and developing confidence in communication
Respect for the rule of law through understanding how language supports cooperation, understanding and positive relationships in society
Democracy through listening to others, taking turns in discussion and valuing different viewpoints
Languages lessons also support key PSHE outcomes, helping pupils to:
develop confidence and self-esteem when speaking and performing in front of others
understand identity, similarities and differences
build empathy and respect for people from different backgrounds
communicate effectively and appropriately in a range of situations
By linking language learning to cultural understanding and communication, pupils are encouraged to see themselves as respectful, responsible global citizens who value diversity and inclusion. This supports pupils’ wider personal development and prepares them for life in modern Britain.
Languages in Action
Here’s what Languages looks like at our school.
Important Languages Documents
Languages Policy
Languages Long Term Plan
Languages Progression of Skills
"Je pense, donc je suis." René Descartes