Our vision for languages:
At Hawes Side Academy we are in the unique position of being able to expose our children to a contrasting culture rich in history and a growing language of the future due to our links with the Confucius Institute. We believe in giving our children an advantage by offering the opportunity to learn Mandarin and the Chinese culture. Our investment in this area of learning is visible through our dedicated Confucius classroom where the children experience a variety of creative and cultural experiences. We are proud that our children are taught by a team of Mandarin speaking staff. We aspire for our children to understand the value of equality in a diverse society and to treat others with care and respect.
Our approach to languages:
At Hawes Side Academy, Mandarin is taught by specialist language tutors who are native speakers. Mandarin is taught weekly throughout the school, from Year 1 to Year 6, where children are exposed to Mandarin language and culture.
EYFS and KS1
The teaching of a language is not statutory in EYFS and KS1, however at Hawes Side Academy we believe it is vital that children are exposed to alternative languages as early as possible. During EYFS and KS1, children are immersed in Mandarin through stories, songs and rhymes. The focus is in building the children’s confidence to ‘have a go’ at speaking Mandarin with correct pronunciation as well as developing vocabulary. Alongside this, they also learn about aspects of everyday life and compare this to their own life and locate countries where Mandarin is spoken.
Key Stage 2
Mandarin is taught following the objectives of the National Curriculum KS2 languages programme of study and is supported by planning from the Confucius Institute. Each lesson takes place in our Confucius Classroom and builds on what has been learned in the previous lessons. Lessons provide opportunities for speaking and listening as well as reading and writing, where relevant. Lessons are interactive and Mandarin is spoken as much as possible.
Our language curriculum:
The National Curriculum Languages Programmes of Study for key stage 2 HERE
The teaching of languages is not statutory at key stage 1.