MFL - Spanish
Growing up speaking both English and Spanish has shown me how powerful language can be. It doesn't just help us communicate — it helps us understand people, cultures and different ways of seeing the world.
Subject Lead, Daniella Lopez Halil
At Grafton Primary School, we believe that learning another language opens the door to the wider world.
Spanish is much more than learning new words or phrases. It is an opportunity for children to communicate with confidence, explore different cultures and traditions, and develop an appreciation of the rich diversity of the world around them.
We want every child to leave Grafton as a confident, curious and enthusiastic linguist — someone who understands that language has the power to connect people, build friendships and open new opportunities throughout life.
Learning a Language, Growing in Confidence
Learning a new language can feel exciting, challenging and sometimes a little daunting. At Grafton, we create an environment where children feel confident to have a go, knowing that making mistakes is an important part of learning. We celebrate effort before perfection, encouraging every child to speak, listen and communicate with growing confidence.
As children's vocabulary develops, so does their belief in themselves.
More Than Words
Spanish lessons are vibrant, practical and full of opportunities for children to learn through songs, games, storytelling, role play, movement and conversation.
Children discover that language is something to be enjoyed.
- They sing.
- They laugh.
- They play.
- They perform.
And, almost without realising it, they begin communicating in another language.
Alongside developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, children also explore the geography, traditions, celebrations and everyday life of Spanish-speaking countries, helping them understand language within its cultural context.
Connecting Cultures
One of the greatest gifts language learning offers is the opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes.
Spanish helps children develop respect for different cultures, traditions and ways of life while recognising and celebrating the diversity within our own school community. Many of our families already speak more than one language. Others encounter Spanish in their local community or while travelling with their families.
By learning another language, children begin to appreciate that communication brings people together and that every language tells a story.
Building Skills for Life
Our curriculum develops children's confidence progressively each year.
They learn to:
- listen carefully and respond confidently
- speak with increasing fluency
- read familiar words and simple texts
- write simple sentences independently
- recognise patterns between languages
- build vocabulary across a wide range of topics
- develop accurate pronunciation and intonation
Most importantly, children develop the confidence to use language in real situations and understand that communication is about making connections rather than achieving perfection.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Spanish is celebrated across the school through cultural events, creative projects and whole-school experiences.
Children explore music, dance, food and traditions from Spanish-speaking countries, take part in World Day celebrations and Hispanic Heritage Month, and enjoy opportunities to experience language in meaningful and memorable ways.
These experiences help children recognise that language is alive — it is something people use every day to share ideas, traditions and stories.
Spanish Through Our Values
Everything we do in Spanish reflects the values that shape life at Grafton Primary School.
Love – Developing appreciation and respect for different cultures, traditions and ways of life.
Creativity – Learning through music, storytelling, role play, movement and imaginative communication.
Kindness – Supporting one another, celebrating different languages and helping everyone feel confident to participate.
Inclusion – Valuing multilingualism and recognising the many languages spoken within our school community.
Resilience – Understanding that mistakes are part of learning and developing the confidence to keep trying.
Empowerment – Giving children the skills and confidence to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
When children leave Grafton Primary School, we hope they leave with far more than a growing knowledge of Spanish.
- We hope they leave with the confidence to start a conversation.
- The curiosity to learn about different cultures.
- The courage to make mistakes and keep trying.
- The understanding that language connects people across communities and continents.
- And the belief that communication, in any language, begins with a smile and the confidence to say hello.
Documents
Curriculum Overview
Skills Progression