Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages
Engaging with a language through the creative arts is a fabulous way to explore a different language and culture throughout the curriculum
‘A Pupil Journey to Mexico’ involved children at a small rural school in the Lune Valley in exploring the Spanish language and the culture of Central and South America. Children worked with visual and environmental artists from Green Close Studios at Melling, to find out about Mexico: food, language, traditions, art and daily life. This embedded the use of Spanish songs and language throughout the school day and educational curriculum and resulted in a extravagant celebration of the Mexican Day of the Dead at the local village fair with towering skeletons, and the school dressed in colourful cacti and marigolds made from recycled materials.
Impact
for children:
- genuine immersion in another culture
- enthusiasm carried home so that parents and the wider community become involved
- modern foreign languages more readily incorporated into all aspects of school life
for teachers:
- inspiration and ideas presented by creative practitioners
- increased knowledge and understanding of other cultures
- raising the profile of modern foreign languages at home