Progression

The Key Stage 2 Framework for Languages sets out a clear structure for progression over four years. Expectations and Outcomes describe what most children should be able to do by the end of the year.

The Learning Objectives for each of the three core strands, Oracy, Literacy and Intercultural Understanding show how to plan the next steps in a cohesive programme of learning. The two cross-cutting strands of Knowledge about Language and Language Learning Strategies underpin the core strands and help children to develop language learning skills for life.

Linking sound and spelling

Young children are often fascinated by sounds, and this fascination can be used as a means of helping them to link sound to symbol and symbol to sound. The ability to recognise phonic patterns in a new language raises children’s awareness of sound links and improves pronunciation. As children learn to read English, they learn to appreciate that some letters are pronounced differently in different contexts and they can make the same distinctions when learning a new language. When children are encouraged to make links between sounds and spellings, they are also being prepared for independent reading.