At Chalkhill Primary School, Spanish is taught as the core modern foreign language from Year 1 to Year 6. Our carefully structured curriculum builds pupils’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as their intercultural understanding. Children in Key Stage 1 receive weekly 30‑minute Spanish lessons, increasing to one hour per week in Key Stage 2. Teaching is led by Ms Mallek, with additional support from Ms Cox, a fluent Spanish speaker.

Chalkhill is proud to offer pupils a rich and varied language experience. While Spanish remains our main taught language, pupils also have opportunities to learn and explore other world languages, reflecting both our diverse community and the global nature of modern education.

International Partnerships

• Our linked Spanish school, CEIP San Bartolomé in Marcilla, Navarra (website: https://cpmarcilla.web.educacion.navarra.es/), plays an important role in enriching our Spanish curriculum. Through this partnership, pupils participate in international projects such as letter and email exchanges, shared cultural activities, and collaborative learning experiences.
• We are also linked with Mesaieed International School in Qatar (website: https://www.mis.qp.qa/Pages/default.aspx) as part of our Arabic Club. This provides pupils with valuable opportunities to learn about Arabic language and culture, and to connect with children from a different part of the world.

Other Languages at Chalkhill

• French: In Year 6, pupils are introduced to French to support a smooth transition to secondary school, where French is often the first foreign language studied. This early exposure gives pupils confidence and helps them feel prepared for Key Stage 3 language learning.
• Arabic: Through our Arabic Club, pupils learn basic Arabic vocabulary, writing, and cultural traditions. The club also supports our international link with Qatar, helping to deepen pupils’ understanding of the Arabic‑speaking world.
• Indigenous Languages of Spanish‑Speaking Countries: As part of our annual Spanish Week celebrations, pupils explore the wider Spanish‑speaking world. They have taken part in exciting sessions learning Aymara and Quechua, ancient Indigenous languages spoken in countries such as Peru and Bolivia. These experiences help pupils understand the diversity within Hispanic cultures and the histories of the people who speak these languages.

Celebration of Languages and Cultures

Each academic year, the school focuses on a different Spanish‑speaking country, culminating in a vibrant Spanish Week. Pupils enjoy immersive workshops in music, dance, art, cooking, storytelling, and languages. This celebration ensures that all children not only develop strong Spanish language skills, but also grow into curious, open‑minded learners who appreciate languages and cultures from across the world.