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At Channing, we believe that learning a new language opens doors to understanding different cultures and helps children become confident, curious, and inclusive global citizens. From the moment pupils begin their journey with us, they are immersed in fun, interactive, and meaningful language lessons. Spanish is introduced in Reception, while French begins in Year 3, ensuring a strong foundation throughout the primary years.
Spanish from the Start
In Reception, children learn simple but essential language skills such as greetings, numbers 1–10, and colours. These are taught through songs, games, and visual activities that make language learning exciting and engaging for our youngest learners.
As they progress, Year 1 pupils build on this foundation by introducing themselves, counting to 40, and discussing the months of the year. By Year 2, they are comfortable with numbers up to 50 and begin exploring topics like birthdays, family, pets, and articles such as el and la.
Year 3 broadens their scope with numbers up to 100, weather vocabulary, and classroom objects. This term, they are learning directions through a lively dance routine.
Year 4 pupils dive deeper into grammar, exploring articles and descriptive language, alongside learning shapes, colours, and famous Spanish artists like Picasso and Miró. They also explore historical contexts such as the Tudors while studying the Spanish alphabet and phonics.
By Years 5 and 6, pupils are mastering complex grammar including verb endings, gender agreement, and regular verb conjugation. Cultural topics such as breakfast foods, Spanish-speaking countries, and festivals enrich their understanding, blending language mechanics with cultural appreciation.
French from Year 3
French starts in Year 3 with essential communication skills: greetings, introductions, numbers to 20, and colours. Pupils learn about fruits and the days of the week through interactive, sensory-based activities.
In Year 4, vocabulary expands to body parts and transport in the autumn term, with the alphabet, dates, and weather covered in spring. Summer focuses on leisure and sports, all designed to build spoken confidence and listening skills.
Year 5 introduces family members, planets, and verbs, while Year 6 covers school subjects, clothing, and daily habits. By the end of Year 6, pupils confidently discuss seasons, habits, gender rules, and physical descriptions, preparing them well for secondary language learning.
Celebrating Inclusion and Neurodiversity
This year, we proudly celebrated Neurodiversity Week, highlighting the importance of inclusion and recognising each individual’s unique strengths. A special project saw students from Year 2 to Year 6 create a vibrant sunflower display representing what makes them special. This beautiful collaboration became a powerful visual reminder of our school values: kindness, uniqueness, and respect for all.
Year 6 pupils worked closely with students from Year 12 to bring the sunflower project to life. Through joint art sessions, storytelling, and discussions, pupils not only created something beautiful but also forged inter-year friendships that fostered understanding and empathy.
A whole-school assembly during Neurodiversity Week introduced pupils to important concepts such as autism, ADHD, and other ways brains can work differently. The assembly helped everyone appreciate that while we may learn, think, or communicate in different ways, each person brings something special to our school community. The key message was clear: being different is not a weakness — it’s a strength. In-class activities encouraged reflection and expression, allowing pupils to explore what makes them, and those around them, uniquely brilliant.
Looking Ahead
Our language curriculum and inclusive ethos go hand in hand. Whether through greeting someone in a different language or recognising the value of neurodiverse minds, our pupils continually develop skills to help them thrive in a multicultural, diverse world.
With every lesson, conversation, and celebration, we’re not just teaching vocabulary — we’re fostering empathy, connection, and confidence in every child.